Line 6 got back to me saying this was normal due to gain on the piezos. Just as a hail Mary of sorts before returning it for exchange, I re-flashed the unit with the 1.9 firmware and  the hiss noise reduced in volume to just under the magnetic hum. So, I suspect the first flash did not go well for some reason. There is still hiss but nothing additive above the amp model. I just am nit picky about this kind of thing. When I pay over a grand for a guitar that was advertized by a Line 6 rep (Paul Hindmarsh) on an Anderton's review as being quieter than the magnetic hum I expect it. Good news, it is after two flashes . Now to bring this thing over to a local luthier to get a final checkout and setup prior to the return period expiring.