I'm not sure about the first question (whether all of the channels are "on" when the amp is on even if they have no signal coming in), but I can offer the beginnings of some thoughts on interconnects. I started a thread in the 1050 feedback section just recently asking folks who own both the 1050 and the 750 what sort of interconnects they use, so you might keep an eye on that thread. Since I'm also preparing to order a 750, I've been wondering about interconnects. Having used and been somewhat disappointed in Monster Cables (Interlink 250 and Interlink 400 Mk2), I'm looking to some alternatives myself -- either the forthcoming Outlaw PCA "short stack" interconnects, or BetterCables (www.bettercables.com), or TMC White Label or Yellow Label cables (www.the-music-cable.com). I'm still trying to determine what I'm going to end up using, though. Best of luck.