Thanks Gonk and Chris...

I did run a low level cable from the 950 to the sub and it does sound better for some things, particularly DVD-A and multi-SACD. I do now understand what "pressurizing" a room means! Still playing with adjustments.

A lot of the difference, I believe, is the changing of the crossover point (right now at 60hz) as well as the crossover slope (what is the slope in the 950?). The sub I am using is designed to fill in the very lowest bass and not remove any from the main speakers. Using the 950's crossover sends higher frequency bass to the sub as well as removing low bass from the mains, I think.

Overall, I like the change for surround. Am I correct in thinking that, when in regular music stereo mode, this split is also happening since the mains are set to small? It is a bit confusing since now the sub is getting both high and low level at the same time.

Finally, and I hope I'm not wearing out my welcome in this thread, I have some final issues that are troubling me...

There is a "stridency" or "edginess", particularly at higher volumes that is hard to take. It does vary with the recording but is evident with most sources. I do not remember having this with the B&K Ref 20 and hope I can figure it out. I even have the theatre comp on. Any ideas?

Equipment is:
Sony DVP9000ES DVD
Pioneer DV563 DVD
Outlaw 950 processor
Odyssey Stratos amp
Magneplanar 1.6QR mains
Magneplanar CC3 center
REL Strata III sub

Gonk, the music and cinema modes would seem to be a Cirrus thing rather than something that Dolby has a hand in...

I appreciate your reading and any help...