I am a bit confused on the new digital mute function. I too don't like to hear the pop/click when pausing a CD connected via an optical cable but I do not ever hear the click/pop when pausing a DVD connected through coax. I can acutally stop the DVD and test the hiss level because the mute never takes effect.

I get the same result when increasing volume. The hiss definitely becomes louder as you cross the 00 point, but with the added gain, I would never run it this loud. Also a 60 cycle hum does become noticeable above 00, but I just figure it is coming from the Acurus amps. This also happened with my yamaha receiver.

My two cents,
Scott