Hi Steve,
Got the SM up and running. The #9 is a lot more open sounding than the newer #7. I remember my impression of the #9 was a less than great initially but it has been the way it sounds now that pushed me to get another FluxTone But even with the speaker needing some time you can still hear the amp being pushed not an attenuator colored voice.
Congratulations on the patent making it through the process. This is a good product maybe a little pricey but playing last night hearing the circuit rage without causing hearing loss is a blessing. I may have to buy another down the road.
Take care,
Derek