Think, I was suggesting that the channel matching difficulties you began this thread with might be helped by boosting the five channels to the 85dB you could bring the sub level to, then reduce the main volume, THEN get your 75dB overall level. I was trying to help you with channel matching, not overall volume level; that's a personal preference. You should calibrate at the volume at which you will be listening.

In other words, boost the other channels to match the sub, then reduce your main volume knob to, if necessary, -37dB, which will give you back the original 75dB overall (assuming your knob's dB markings are accurate).

Also, the 75dB reference level is not an 'etched-in-stone' mandate. It's a suggested target for those looking to get a movie-theater envoironment in the home. It certainly does NOT mean that you can't set the volume to a level that suits your own ears and the material you're viewing.

Most quality equipment will maintain channel-matched tracking when varying the main volume, so an initial channel calibration should not need to be redone just because you change the volume. However, if you move speakers or furniture, or something that will change the relationship between your speakers and ears, then you should recalibrate.


Larry
www.fineelectricco.com



This message was edited by Larry Fine on 12/17/01 18:42.01.