For the changing volume problem, if you have a programmable remote (such as a Pronto), then you can make the remote turn down the preamp (or turn it up) when changing sources. This is what I do, and my Onkyo has a feature to add or remove db when changing sources. I actually have three sources that can give me this problem: DVD and two satellite receivers. The sat receivers will do this when changing channels, if one channel is regular (or stereo) and another channel is DD (Dolby Digital), so the Onkyo wouldn't help this situation.