my first was an adcom (shudder) pro logic pre i've had for a long time. last year, i tried several receivers-as-pre (onkyo, marantz, h/k, etc.) and disliked them all.
i never owned a receiver in my life.

after an exhausting search, i decided not to pay the high price asked by virtually every pre/pro manufacturer and wait for the 950.

i'm glad i did.