thanks for that tip. It seems that I was doing it right all along. Have always had the speaker settings in the 950 on small since getting the OPPO. I guess that's why it has always sounded so good. One other question that did come to mind, should all the crossovers in the 950 be left at 80 since that is what Def Tech recommends or can they be tweaked a bit. Never really clear on crossover settings for example if I was to set my center higher than 80 does that mean any bass under that number is sent to the sub? But I have to say, it sure feels good to upgrade after 15 years. The Def Techs sound so good (especially the BPX bipole surrounds; never had em before and listening to them was a totally new sound experience, at least for my non-professional ears). And for the first time I've experienced house rattling bass. Also invested in a Hsu VTF-2 MK3 and when I went upstairs while Cars was playing, rattling and rumbling were flowing through my kitchen. Sorry for the gushing but it's just a lot of fun to have the HT experience change SO much. And the good old 950 just keeps chugging along. Was seriously thinking about selling it to my sister for her basement but now I'm not so sure. It always is rock solid. anyway, thanks for the help, will be getting out the old SPL meter this weekend and testing.