Thanks Soundhound.

I just tried an experiment. I recalibrated as you suggested with the volume control at 0, and indeed, the trim levels DO effect the hiss level with the volume set that high. With the volume control set at 0, to calibrate to 75dB, I have the trims for my front channels at -10. This gives me more hiss than before. If I have the volume control at 0 and calibrate to 70dB, I have the trims set to -15, and the net effect is that this hiss level is exactly the same as when I have the volume control set to -15 and the trims at 0. So if I have the volume control at 0 and the trims at -15, or the other way around, the effect is the same. To me this makes sense. The volume control and the trim levels are adjusting the same thing. With the new 950's gain 8dB greater, I don't think I COULD calibrate with the volume control at 0. I'd have to be able to dial the trims down to -18 just to get to 75dB. At any rate, I don't think it matters. I think the only reason to calibrate with the volume control set to 0 is so that you achieve "Dolby Reference level" or "THX Reference level" or whatever with the volume control set to 0. I don't care if I get that level with the volume control set to 0 or -10 or -15. The combination of the 950 and 750 amp has WAY more gain than I ever use no matter how I would set it up. If I were running "Maggies", it would be a different matter. Gain might be an issue, hiss probably not.

None the less, it sounds like you got a very significant absolute reduction in hiss with the new one. If I could get just a 50% reduction, I would be tickled pink. I think I will put in a request. I didn't want to ask Outlaw to send me another one unless I was very sure the new one would make a significant difference in my system. As several others discovered, I found the "Red Dot" one to actually be "hissier" at normal volume levels than what I have now.

Thanks again.