"I prefer to _not_ play with the numbers and use .775v as a hard, fast reference, not open to any intrepretation. In other words, if it hisses like a duck at this reference, then it is indeed a hissy duck."

Why is it always so sceintific? My point (which I did'nt state very clearly - hoping some would take a more "what ya hearing" approach and go do some of the searching I did) is does your hiss impact what ya hearing? I even find some "stuff" spewing some BENEFITS of hiss (ala the tube/vinyl lover crowd)vs an extreme clean/low/no noise floor. Dont know what I'm trying to say here cept today was somewhat slow at work/had time to search and it was eye (or ear) opening.

Im trying sumthin new tonight. Bought a PS Audio Juice Bar (no surge/no filtering), plugging into my PS Audio Ultimate Outlet. I dont expect less hiss, but maybe some more detail, bigger stage, more punch. My Parasound 2205 Amp seemed to benefit from the Ultimate Outlet awhile back, and this allows me to somewhat expand its benefits to 6 pieces.

Tonight I'm going to try the gain reduction mentioned, as my 2205 have always been at max. Well see/hear later.