Kevin:

The hiss does indeed get lower below "00" on the volume control and starts to level off to about -90db (full bandwidth) at an indicated volume of approximately -15db or so. If it were otherwise, no hiss reduction would be evident by reducing the main volume from "00" to "-08". The trims also will reduce hiss if lowered below "0". You are correct that the hiss does increase more obviously from "00" to "+10". The lack of hiss reduction below "00" you are hearing is undoubtedly the result of an interaction from your particular speaker/amp/room combination.

Did you hear any particular change in the sound of the new 950 compared to the old one?

[This message has been edited by soundhound (edited December 29, 2002).]