Hi Andrew

Could this be a Controller issue? Does the master 8000 display show a higher volume than the 861 display? Instead of the speakers coming on at the last volume at which the 861 was set (which would happen with the 861 as sole controller) it sounds as though the Master DSP is behaving as a controller. In that instance it will come on at 65 each time, even though the 861 may be lower.

With the system in standby, point the MSR(+) remote at the 861 and press 'Clear'. The display on the 861 should read 'Controller' and the master 8000 should read N.Con. See how it behaves after that.

If you ultimately need to reset this again, use the remote go into the setup menu of the master DSP (Fn + '0" IIRC whilst powering on from the rear). use the right or left arrow on the remote to scroll through the set up options. One will set the controller status, and your options are Con N.Con or Auto. Set it to N.Con.

Let us know how you get on.

Cheers

George