I've noticed this on several different surround processors that i've tried too. I didn't know if it was a problem that only i had run into or it was something that others were dealing with also. I assumed that it might be a combination of running amps that needed slightly more drive to meet rated output as compared to others or if it was just because my speakers in the HT system are in-efficient ( 86 - 87 db's ). Now i think that some processors ARE low output AND i need more drive to get the job done AND my speakers aren't sensitive enough.
I've had to have some my previous processors running around the "0" mark in order to get pretty decent volume out of them. The one that i remember having the most problems with in terms of gain only went up to appr +9 if i remember correctly. I was afraid to really crank her up much past that, as i didn't want to start clipping the preamp. If that would have happened, it would have put a bunch of "crap" into my amps and possibly damaged the speakers ( primarily mids and tweeters ). As such, that processor went out the door pretty quickly even though it sounded decent. I like "LOUD" and i couldn't do it with confidence or peace of mind with those units.
My current processor max's out at a read-out of "0". I have had it as high as "-15", which was roaringly loud and shaking the hell out of the house. This was in two channel mode with a very well recorded demo disc. I would not doubt what so ever that i could cause structural damage if i sustained that level in HT mode with the same disc. As such, i've finally achieved what i was looking for in an HT system. I can now EASILY replicate an earthquake and not worry about the system. I just hope the house is still standing : ) Sean
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I've had to have some my previous processors running around the "0" mark in order to get pretty decent volume out of them. The one that i remember having the most problems with in terms of gain only went up to appr +9 if i remember correctly. I was afraid to really crank her up much past that, as i didn't want to start clipping the preamp. If that would have happened, it would have put a bunch of "crap" into my amps and possibly damaged the speakers ( primarily mids and tweeters ). As such, that processor went out the door pretty quickly even though it sounded decent. I like "LOUD" and i couldn't do it with confidence or peace of mind with those units.
My current processor max's out at a read-out of "0". I have had it as high as "-15", which was roaringly loud and shaking the hell out of the house. This was in two channel mode with a very well recorded demo disc. I would not doubt what so ever that i could cause structural damage if i sustained that level in HT mode with the same disc. As such, i've finally achieved what i was looking for in an HT system. I can now EASILY replicate an earthquake and not worry about the system. I just hope the house is still standing : ) Sean
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