applejelly -

add mine facts to those you (and Will) stated. My original "acted" the same way, execpt the amount of hiss was higher (hear from across the room).

A new nuance(sp) I've encountered. My reddots hiss seems to have increased since I originally received it. And stranger yet, the hiss is louder during the daytime than at night. More external interfence going on during day?

I'm still really happy with the sound I'm hearing from my 950. My hiss cannot be heard over any source material I'm playing, including those silent moments on CD's or vinyl. Mr. Anal in me simply somtimes thinks could sound be even better with less hiss.

Interesting tidbits - my sister in law has the Denon AVR 4800 with Energy Veritas 2.4's. On all her analog sinals/no source playing, at max volumn, hiss can be HEARD at +5 to 6 feet. Center channel hiss is worst.

Good Guys had the Denon AVR 5803 hooked up with the Veritas 2.4's, and SAME hiss/distance could be heard in their "high-end" room.