I had a TA-E9000ES before the 950. I'm not one to believe in large differences between electronic components. To me, a $500 receiver will probably sound comparable to a $3000 pre/pro. I'd rather put my money into better speakers, or more CDs & DVDs.

With that being said, I did feel that I got a little bit more "openness" and "air" with the 950 vs the Sony. But the Sony is 4 year old technology too. I liked the sound of the Sony, and I like the sound of the Outlaw...