Larry, Thanks again. I will try and recalibrate at +00 db. I was just afraid to try it as I am sure this is about the maximum volume allowed by my receiver. Also I would imagine that most of the channel db settings will be in the negative due to the fact that the volume is so high. I only have a 100W receiver. Not in the ballpark of your powerplant.

Think, you should only go for the +0db if you can set the channel levels low enough that +0 is actually do-able. Please don't burn out your receiver on my say-so.

Larry

I think adjusting the levels per your usual listening level is the way to go, if you want to crank it up a little more sometime, it's going to get a little heavier on the bass, but for movies, that's ok... IMHO

Setting levels to 0db on my pre/pro means that any cd I put in will have no bass whatsoever at low volumes. I think it varies from gear to gear upon the setting. Don't use the labels or measurements, use your own ears for the overall loudness. Then bring in the SPL meter for the speaker to speaker level adjustment.

As for an SPL meter, Radio Shack has a great meter for like 50 bucks...I've tested it against the very best meters and it was only like 1db off. Not even noticable to the human ear.

Thank you very much for your kind offer Larry,
if you could let me know how much it will come to i'll sweet talk the fiance as its so close to xmas and moneys a bit tight as i've already sweet talked into upgrading my speakers the other day.

thanks again for the kind offer,
john

I think setting my Kenwood VR507 on +00 db is a dangerous propostion. It is at the 5 0'clock or maximum volume position. I am going to set it to a level that is generally comfortable and achieve a 70db using that setting as my reference level. I have small children, that are often in the room, so pumping out even 70db is as much as I want to do. Thanks for all of the great input. I ordered the Avia CD today. Anyone have any "tips or tricks" relating to this DVD? What is the most useful tool found on this DVD?

I think they are all useful, but you will get the most out of tweaking your contrast, brightness, tint, and color settings for your display device!!!

Think, to be honest, and serious, the answer to your question is: the instructions. Also, of course, I didn't know that the +00 was the max. Receivers are generally less flexible with level adjustments than separates, anyway. You're on the right track.

Matt is correct, in that audio is generally easier to set by the senses than video is. Keep in mind that, contrary to what seems logical, brightness adjusts black level and contrast adjusts white level.

Larry