bbpj,

I am running Silver i's too. I am using a Bryston 9B-ST to power them. I have hiss from 10'-12', which is worse than you. It is loudest from my C6i center.

As far as clipping, I have only clipped my amp during depth charges on U-571 at cranking levels. I also believe the PSB's 4 ohm impedance is a huge factor, since the speakers are quite efficient. I borrowed a friend's top-of-the-line Yamaha Integrated (last of the Pro-Logic models) and it sounded thin - no bass. Then I hooked up a bottom-of-the-line older B&K 2 channel amp and was sold on separates. It takes current to run the PSB's.

Also, I like the 2-channel of the 950, but I run a warmish DAC through the 950 with analog bypass. Not quite a dedicated 2-channel preamp as soundhog suggests, but very acceptable. A 2-channel preamp is one of my planned upgrades.