I, too, have a Sony DVD player (older model) that I am using for DVDs and CDs. I have both the optical and digital coax cables running between the Sony and the 950. I have the optical setup as input for DVD and defaulting to Dolby Digital and the coax setup for CD and set to stereo. This way I just choose CD for input when I want 2-channel.

But I too often have to crank up the volume to around -10 to-6 before the subwoofer kicks in. It's no big deal since once it kicks in I can turn the volume back down (or not laugh ) and the subwoofer continues to be active. I have changed my fronts from large to small and this doesn't seem to really help. I probably just need to dialin the sensitivity on the subwoofer to get it to kick in sooner.

Jeff
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HT: Outlaw 975/7125 | Sony 55" SXRD | Roku Ultra | Sony BDP-S790 | Mirage OMD-15 (fronts) and Prestige 4 + Center Channel | Outlaw LFM-2
LR: ARC Reference 1 | Emotiva XPR-2 | Music Hall MMF2.2 | Oppo BDP-83SE | Polk XRt12 XM Receiver | Emotiva XDA-1 DAC | Sony HAP-S1 (digital audio player) | Sansui TU-217 Tuner | Magnepan 3.6R w/Mye-Stands | SVS SB-16 sub | BA VR-M90s | Audio Quest 72db speaker cable
Office: Drobo 5N running as PLEX media server
Closet: too many pieces to put all into place, I need more rooms smile