Will, I have hiss also. I am lucky enough to be able to turn down the gain on each channel of my amps, which eliminates the hiss. (audible within about 2 inches of the speaker after adjustment, about 3 feet before adjustment) That is why I feel the interaction between the 950 and a high-gain amp is the culprit. The hiss was much worse when my amp was in the shop and I used a Yamaha receiver as a power amp. When I got the amp back, I tried the Yamaha as a pre/pro with my amp, and again the hiss was more than with my 950 and the amp. I feel for you, but only a handful of people are complaining of the hiss...maybe 10-15 total people. They have probably sold at least 100 times that amount of 950s.

I am not downplaying the hiss, but by being able to eliminate it, I am very impressed with the sound of the 950, and will keep it as the hub of my system for many years.