Thanks Rob, for the the advice about the mute button (and everything else on your fine site!)

That is indeed the problem: mute button overuse!

I bought the 15-1994 a day or two ago, and though I prefer the layout and lighting, it has a significantly weaker range and must be pointed exactly at my system, in contrast with the Cinema 7 IQ, which I can bounce from almost anywhere in the house...

I tried prying mine open, and found that it takes either better tools or more dexterity than I could muster... I may try again before buying another, but I'm scratching up the sides pretty good in the meantime.

Thanks to all for the above online suggestions!