Absolute volumes and processors query....

[Nic Miller]

I love listening to my movies at ear destroying levels - there's one point in Lord of the Rings Return of the King where if I have my lights on in the living room at least one bulb blows!

I have jut replaced my old Sony AVR which I used as a processor with my P7 - I have the volume control set to about -30db for a very loud film experience. Watch most films between -30 and -40 db. This was also the case before the P7 was added and I was just using the Sony. Obviously it therefore goes significantly louder than I actually have it set to.

I have now replaced the AVR and now use an Audiolab 8000AP - still use the P7 with it.

Testing the sound last night and even on a volume of -10db it was nowhere near the absolute volumes of the Sony when set to say -35db

Should the processor make this much difference? Am I doing something wrong?

I understand that the Audiolab goes from -90db to 0db and then up to +15db, but am surprised I am getting close to this as I would have thought the P7 would be providing the absolute volume - unless it gets very loud below -10db.

Any info on the topic of volume would be most appreciated.

Many thanks guys!

Nic

[DEAN0]

Originally Posted by Nic Miller

I love listening to my movies at ear destroying levels - there's one point in Lord of the Rings Return of the King where if I have my lights on in the living room at least one bulb blows!

I have jut replaced my old Sony AVR which I used as a processor with my P7 - I have the volume control set to about -30db for a very loud film experience. Watch most films between -30 and -40 db. This was also the case before the P7 was added and I was just using the Sony. Obviously it therefore goes significantly louder than I actually have it set to.

I have now replaced the AVR and now use an Audiolab 8000AP - still use the P7 with it.

Testing the sound last night and even on a volume of -10db it was nowhere near the absolute volumes of the Sony when set to say -35db

Should the processor make this much difference? Am I doing something wrong?

I understand that the Audiolab goes from -90db to 0db and then up to +15db, but am surprised I am getting close to this as I would have thought the P7 would be providing the absolute volume - unless it gets very loud below -10db.

Any info on the topic of volume would be most appreciated.

Many thanks guys!

Nic

It could be something to do with the maximum voltage that the pre-outs can achieve. Perhaps the sony puts out higher pre-out voltage than the audiolab.
Different pre-amps offer different maximum output voltages which in turn control maximum power amp output.

[MI55ION]

That's perfectly normal, we (mate and I) love listening at insane levels at his place and regularly dial it up to around 0 - +6. I would attribute this to the sheer quality of the 8000ap, the extreme low noise floor and transparency in sound fools us into thinking it isn't quite as loud until something happens and you're like, damn!! It really is an amazing piece.

With regards pre-outs, the P7 follows THX standard of 2V I believe, not sure about the 8000p but you could see if they're matched from the manual and also whether it's adjustable. It shouldn't matter too much though.