Mike, I'm assuming the 950 is set in Direct Bypass- 6 channel input and the player is set up for a sub out signal (ie "5 small + sub). I have a C222ES, which is similar, and noticed that using the Sony test tones, I had to crank the sub trim adjustment to max and volume level way up to hear it. I finally checked for a signal to the sub during playback of a multi-channel SACD and verified that the sub was working fine. Bottom line- it's probably working fine- it's just the quirky Sony test setup. That's all I know! Hope this helps. By the way, SACD stereo and multi-channel is awesome IMO.