Having the 7500 on a different breaker circuit is almost certainly your problem - there's apparently a difference between the ground potentials on the two circuits. Since the one circuit is 20A, I'd suggest plugging everything into it, if possible. That's the easy and cheap solution.

but I am pretty sure I have tried that too . . . plugging the 7500 into the Monster Surge Protector/power strip with the same results. That WAS, however, before I found the defective coaxial cord.

Did anyone ever solve the hum problem? I have a hum slightly different from what's been mentioned. I have a very subtle hum coming from my sub...no other speakers. My system could really use some wire management, but is this truly the fix? Although subtle, I know its there and it bothers me. Help.

Outlaw 990 Preamp
Outlaw 7700 7-Chnl Amp
Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi
Martin Logan Aeon i Front
Martin Logan Cinema Center
Martin Logain Descent Sub
Monitor Audio Bronze Surr
Panasonic AE900U Projector
Panamax 5400 Conditioner

i have found that sometimes amps in subwoofer cause a hum.. this MAY be normal. I'd call or write to ML and find out.

Wire management really can help. If it's only the sub, I'd check both the route of the sub interconnect and try plugging the sub into a different outlet - it could be on a different circuit from the rest of your system, with a somewhat different ground, and the ground difference could be the cause.

Skyblazer/Gonk - thanks. I'll try both recommendations.

New issue, I just purchased the MX-3000 remote, called some A/V dudes who quoted me $400 big ones to program it. Is this normal or are they trying rip me off? Luckily the software came with it however, after two days of NO progress, I'm tempted to call someone. The shameful part is, I'm a computer systems architect and by no means is this a simple task. So is it worth me calling someone who knows what the heck they're doing or should I tough it out?

The MX-3000 is targetted to the market of folks who pay to have it programmed - the programming is often bundled in with the remote. $400 is probably not an uncommon quote for that service. Having some experience already with URC's software, I'd probably tough it out, but after that much hassle I'd be tempted to recruit some help too. How much gear are you trying to operate?

atleast the following:

Outlaw 990 Preamp
Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi
Panasonic AE900U Projector
DIRECTV® HD Receiver
...and maybe the lights

That's not too bad. Are you retaining the default button style and layout structure, or are you trying to do a completely custom "skin" to the remote?

Wow.. $400 to program a remote.. seems pretty steep to me. I'm not familiar with that remote.. but sometimes the instructions are tough to figure out.

I'd look around if your local area or on here if there is someone who could come program it for you. for a lot less.

I just checked the specs.. wow.. pricey.. looks very sweet. It would be to advanced for me to use though.

SOrry i can't be of more help.
good luck.