but I would, or should, use my SPL meter to set speaker distances and level setting in the 997 when I eventually upgrade to it if using its HDMI in from the oppo and its out to my display because of the digital connection, correct? I would only use the oppo's settings if I wanted to use the multichannel analog output in the 997 in which case the speakers would stay set to large, sub on, any bass management on, like with the 950 right now, and just bypass the 997. that's why I wondered if the speaker settings in the 997 would be set to small if using HDMI. sorry if this is confusing. I've been using the 950's analog out and set up like you said and everything is great. just not clear on when speakers should be small or large.