Patmos,
I'll try to explain the connections here, but a diagram is really what I need to explain it.

Here's what I would do:

- Connect the Panasonic DVD player to the 950 digitally.
- Connect the 950's LR Main pre-outs to your B&K Preamp's CD input.
- Connect the B&K pre-outs to the amp.
- Basically the 950 is an outboard DAC this way. However, you will have two places to control the volume - the 950 and the B&K.
- I would temporarily connect the Panasonic's analog outputs to another input on the B&K while keeping the rest of the system connected the same was as described above. Then I would play a CD selecting the input on your B&K where the Panasonic is directly connected. Now switch to the input on the B&K where the 950 is connected. There should be a difference in volume between the two inputs. Merely adjust the volume on the 950 until it's the same volume as the Panasonic direct connection. Mark the 950's volume level (or write it down) and always leave the 950's volume at this level when listening to CDs. You would now use the B&K for volume control.

- Setting things up for surround will be a little tricky too, but it's the same concept. This time, you'll be using the 950 for volume control. So when you calibrate your channel levels, I'd set the mains to 0 on the 950. Then I'd set the center at 0 and use a SPL meter to check the level. Match the level of the rears to this. Now you'll need to match the main channel levels to this SPL. Just adjust it using the B&K volume control. Again, you'll have to mark it, write it down, or remember this volume level on the B&K so that you can always have it at that level for surround listening. Then you can use the 950's volume control for the master volume.

Hope this helps.

[This message has been edited by DMF131 (edited July 31, 2003).]