I recently picked up a SACD player and have been playing with the hookup. I noticed that the volume seemed to be down between the Direct 5.1 and digital connection. After careful measuring I found that Direct 5.1 is 4 db quieter than going through digital. I assume this is normal? It's strange when you expect a certain volume at given setting and when it doesn't happen you feel anxious about turning it up to achieve the same level. When I approach 60db on the volume scale I get real anxious; looking for a puff of smoke from the reciever. I usually have my comfort zone at 40 - 50 (depending upon source being played). I wonder if the 200W amp or even the supposedly new 100W amp would make difference?

The volume scale on the 1050 is unrelated to dB (or at least not in any sort of linear relationship). I would not worry about running the 1050 around 60 -- the max is at 80, but I often had it up around the 50's or very low 60's without any trouble. When I added a 750 to my old 1050, I found that I achieved the same output at a volume setting of probably 8 "notches" or so lower than I did without the amp (it's been a while, so my memory's a little hazy).

For reference (and some reassurance), there's a couple of threads on the subject:
Safe volume levels (this is a good one)
How high do you turn the volume?
What is too loud?

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Thx Gonk
I noticed on one of the links that you supplied that another person noticed a drop of about 4 notches on the volume (e.g. 50 on 5.1 Direct = 46 on CD digital). So all is well.
Maybe the 770 would be a good choice. I currently have another reciever running my sub (DVC-using 2 channels). I could run all my speakers and sub with one amp! Bonus would be that I would be in a great position for another upgrade!!!