Hello everyone!

I recently upgraded from my Sony STR-DA3ES receiver to a Denon AVR 989.
There is one question that I would like to ask you guys/gals.

When using the Sony to watch TV (optical cable for audio - no HDMI), the volume was typically -49 db. On the Denon, it is at -26.5 for the same volume. Is this normal, or is it because with the HDMI switching the volume would be lower than the optical cable I was using on the Sony?
I have not run the Audyssey setup and have set up the speakers manually.

Furthermore, the volume reading on the Denon is -20db (on average) lower than it was on the Sony and the Denon is a more powerful amp (115 Watts per channel as opposed to 100). This is regardless of the input selected.

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks

First off, those numbers on the volume scale are worthless since there is no standard to make them uniform across brands. To use that scale you need an spl meter and the + or - represent the amount in db above or below a reference level, usually 70db.

Having said all that, my guess is that the Denon is a higher quality amp than even the Sony ES.

I would run the audyssey setup and forget about those numbers and put the volume where is sounds good to you.

FWIW, yes I am a bit of an audio nerd and I used to make fun of people that would tell me that they could play their equipment with the volume knob at 10 as if that actually meant something.

Well, some of us have a REAL system. Mine goes to 11!

BTW, -26 is 20db HIGHER than -46. But that still doesn't mean anything.

Well I have 7 channels and 100 watts per channel, I have 700 watts of POWER!



Gotta love this industry!

I agree - if there is no standard as far as levels go across the industry, the numbers are arbitrary.

Wait. Minus number? I thought you turned it till you got to positive numbers....

I listen to my Yamaha receiver at -23 to -28 db, normally. But I like the volume low. Most folks, I think would like -15 to -20 db on this one.

-beebs