I too have a 2-week old 950 that I use in combination with a tube preamp (Sonic Frontiers Line1)and a tube amp (BAT VK-60). For 2-channel audio the Line1 is dead quiet but in SSP bypass you can hear the 950 hiss. In my case it is not a problem from where I sit but if I stand next to the speakers you can hear the 950.

That said, I really like the 950 for HT.