what anyone 'thinks' producers are doing with sacd/dvd-a doesn't negate the fact that they are formats that are capable of 6 full range channels. i own several sacd discs that contain full range surround tracks and several others that have unfiltered kick drum in the center channel (and my sacd library doesn't put a dent in the list of available software). at low enough volumes, this won't hurt the speakers, but the information on those tracks isn't being reproduced when BM is switched 'off', if there were no double bass, that is. at ref level, the center speaker, in most cases, will clack or be damaged. in any case, who knows what is yet to come with both formats?

as far as 20hz capable floor standers, i've never heard one. in fact, most subwoofers don't display useful spl at that freq or below. how is it that a subwoofer can augment a full range speaker?

if you're attempting to make, say, 4-ways out of your front left and right 3-way speakers by splitting those 2 channels through 2 subwoofers, that, by itself has nothing to do with bass management. also, if the 2 subs are not each equidistant from the listening position with the front speakers, you have phase problems.

though i agree that multiple subs are easier to place in a given room, 'place' is the key word. they can't be placed just anywhere. the point i tried to make, is that the 5 satellites cannot be moved around the room, rather, their placement is very critical to a successful surround soundfield. placement of a sub is not the same as placement of a full range satellite. 5 'full range' satellites cause phase anomalies...period. we've tested and verified this fact.

which discs do you believe contain 'stereo' bass information? maybe i could benefit from an explanation of 3 subs and how they deliver stereo bass when summed with LFE (this is no sort of loaded question, i really would like to learn more about your setup).

the point of my previous post was in answer to a question from a self proclaimed novice and the subject of the thread is the 950's analog BM and connection of sacd/dvd-a players to the 950, not a list of the 950's shortcomings. i remember being absolutely cross-eyed at the whole BM situation...industry-wide...not just the 950. a simple 'place to start' is required. i found it in this forum and appreciated it very much.

SH is waiting for a uni player that suits him.