I can't comment on the Ref 30 processor, but I did own the 7250 for two weeks. Its a nice amp, but at 2500 retail I didn't feel it was competitive. In my set up, which is dedicated to HT, I felt that the 7250 smeared details and and had a soft leading edge on transients. You could argue that for music playback that this laid back quality and warmer presentation enhances the music, but for home theater I want to hear all the action and subtle queues in the surrounds. For this reason I returned my 7250 and bought a Parasound 2205. More power, better bass control, more punch, more detail, and its musically honest. Its also better built.
