In the following test, the volume knob is kept at -25 dB on the red dot 950. With the amplifier on and the 950 powered off, there's amplifier hiss (or hum?) at about 3 inches from the speakers. I have a Sunfire Cinema Grand amp and unfortunately, it does hiss (or hum).

When the 950 powers on, initially there's almost NO additional hiss compared to the amp all by itself. The 950 turns on in a digital mode. But, when stereo bypass is subsequently engaged, there is more hiss. The hiss can be heard from over a foot from the speakers. The hiss comes from the center channel speaker too. When a digital mode is subsequently engaged (and stereo bypass disengaged), the hiss does not go away, it stays the same. At least that's what happens on my system. I have to emphasize once again that I cannot hear any hiss from my regular listening position since it's too far away.


So, maybe (?) I don't have a defective red-dot 950 afterall.. ??

I agree with those who say the 950 sounds good with regular CD's. Really good. Even loud it sounds good. I love to crank it up and listen. With the red dot 950 though, cranking it puts the volume above 0 dB, but it still sounds good. (Wish there was more crank headway though).

I have my mains crossed over at 40 Hz, my surrounds at 60 Hz and the center at 80 Hz (but I'm still experimenting).

I used to think DTS NEO:6-M sounded better than DPL II-M for regular CD's but now I am not so sure... Again, still experimenting.