The volume setting only appears when adjusting it, and it is the same size as the input name - very readable from a distance. With passive subs, I suspect that auto setup's results will warrant some tweaking - or you could just turn off the sub amps if you're worried about hitting the sub with a full range signal. From zooming in on the picture I took of the rear panel, it appears that the s-video inputs are gold-plated. As for the power cord, I remember it being pretty stout (certainly not one that would be mistaken for a typical computer power cord).