'K, guys. Took about 15 minutes to get this baby into my system (helps if you're coming from basically zero). Learning curve's gonna be steep - I'm upgrading from a Pioneer DPL receiver. Set the trim levels, set the speaker distances, popped in Diana Krall Live In Paris... OH MY GOD!!!!!!

Obviously, my reference point is WAY ancient, but this sucker is everything I hoped for and more. Checked for the noise floor problem - like most others, if I press my ear against the speaker cloth, I can hear a hiss. Move about an inch away, total silence. I don't think I have to worry about taking advantage of the free trial period. This thing's staying.

If I notice anything worth commenting on as I add sources and experiment, I'll post. But first impressions mean a lot, and this thing's all I could have asked for...