Yes. Elite's use much better power supplies, upgraded DAC's,DSP's,connectors, and all other internal parts. Build quality is also much better. Are you considering a Elite?
Not at all. I have a Elite 45 and it is a very full sounding receiver with a tremendous bottom end. Very smooth and balanced. The one thing about the Elite's I really like is that the human voice sounds exactly like it should. No sibilance or harshness of any kind. You are doing the right thing by taking your own music with you. Doing that can't be stressed enough. Have fun and good luck.