I recently got my 950. Before I swapped my Pioneer receiver out I turned the volume up with no source and realized an incredible ammount of hiss. I did the same when the 950 went in and the hiss was significantly reduced. Neither the 950 or the Pioneer had hiss during playback, but I do notice better sound quality (detail, clarity, and just plain ooomph). Both units were driven by the same rotel amps and playing through the same Infinity speakers. I read alot about the hiss issue before buying and was a little concerned . I no longer have any concerns.