have a clear understanding of whether the 950 can play Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets without dropouts in a true 5.1 speaker configuration with the 950 configured to playback Dolby 5.1
I own two 950s.
ONE: a full bore system. VA floorstanders for mains, and VA center speakers, small DT Cinema Pro 100’s and the one step up upgrade Sub from the Definitive Tech CP 100 line, for satellites and LF. Right now due to extreme spousal (handyman hat hung up) neglect (pout) I am running only 6.1 here, (the 7th speaker is sitting on a shelf unattended to).

SECOND: 950 setup, The hodgepodge extra system, runs 5.0. Two old 2’ tall Fishers (model #’s and specs lost in the mists of time) for mains, Def Tech CP 100 center channel and SL/SR DT satellites.

Neither setup has any trouble what so ever with audio dropouts on Harry Potters COS, nor any other disc played. (and I’ve played all the major blockbuster each seemingly coming out recorded closer to distortion tolerances than the last one) - through both systems. X men/JP/Matrix/ HP(both)/LOTR etc….

My opinion is this whole area is a case by case setup dependent issue, with an occasionally glitchy unit (pre-pro or receiver) thrown in to confuse the various base culprits.

I have noted last year, that speakers were definitely fried (it was in the various forums) by the first release of LOTR. (DTS and hot/hot/hot).

I have noticed units…receivers or pre-pro’s (any manuf) having ‘issues’ when pushed hard by these blockbusters, overheating, dropping out, flags, etc commented on to a percent by all users of current AV. These traced in each case back to [per system users cabinet/air flow component interaction disc etc basis).

I have had three 950’s cabled into my system, None have exhibited problems, and although I do not give my main system the airflow I would optimally like to, (for least heat, least stress to extend its projected life). I did work with the issue (addressing within reason) for my home and cabinet, and never having a negative reaction I assumed I’ve given this particular setup the lee-way it needs. I also pay attention to ‘web talk’ and caution users here. Any other product I purchased and installed or stacked would need the same attention to its tolerances when mixed with other products which will effectively change the problems on per situation basis. My 950’s (three) have exhibited a great tolerance for pushing the edges on heat (for me). These will however vary from you to me. What if your DVD player puts out 3 degrees more of temp than mine while in use. This affects the total ‘effect’ of heat in your system differently than mine.

I have a wood cabinet with perforated metal shelves for the interior, Front/Back open. But these shelves are CUSTOM to the unit’s place on them. So the front gives the net effect of a solid wall. Don’t tell Outlaw, but my 770 sits on a bottom shelf with a 1” head clearance to the next shelf above which holds my 950.
The perforated metal the 950 sits on, allows hot air to rise that one inch below from the 770 right to the base of the 950. BECAUSE of this, we added the side cutouts in the wood cabinet one adjacent to the 950 one to the 770. You can feel a breeze rising from these two side vents when the system is on for any length of time.

Pretty tight tolerances on heat (AND NOT RECOMMENDED) …the chimney side vents saves me…and all’s well after 2 years and 3 950’s.Heat can affect ANY component in your setup and these interactions I feel are very cabinet/component specific and you need to figure out what tolerance level, your stack/your shelves allow. In addition there is Common sense needed when playing the new blockbusters, per your speakers etc. The industry knows we perceive loud as good and race each other to put the biggest baddest ST out there. It’s ours responsibly to use moderation with these.

Personally I watched 950 posters for 2 years talk about the latest ‘wow’ DVD. Due to my own experiences (detailed above) and months of web talk. I do not believe the 950 has any problem (beyond the odd incidences in the industry, flag…..LOTR ... bad unit, Etc going on out there.

PS, Of the posters who blew their speakers with the LOTR disc, none owned a 950 that I saw. I guarantee my 950 would ‘allow’ me the capability of blowing mine up too, if I didn’t use some common sense with that disc and others borderline kin to it.

Bottom line, I have excessive heat in my setup (beyond recommended). Three 950’s have not exhibited problems with heat, any disc specific issues (beyond documented flag problem discs, nor have posters I have watched on the forums who critique the latest (X) blockbuster through their 950 system.

It has been {my} experience, the 950 exhibits an equal or higher tolerances across the board than some brands, - to some issues which do arise in systems. Heat/flags/disc SM at max recording, etc.