Can anyone provide a definitive answer as to the origin and meaning of the volume/amplitude scale currently used by perhaps all modern A/V receivers? (No speculating please, unless you have a good joke answer.
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I'm certain there must be a logical reason that this scaling system has been adopted. This feels like a simple-minded, noob question, but dang if I can find anyone, including receiver tech support people (no surprise there), who know why and what it means.
I have seen that Denon almost answers the question when the website FAQ's show their receivers reaching 0 dB on the scale in a receiver comparison matrix...where each receiver reaches its maximum spec'ed wattage output.
My Yamaha people and manuals say nothing about the matter, except that it's "a more accurate representation of volume". I've had others tell me that there is no standard and that comparisons between models, manufacturers, etc. are meaningless...that it's just an arbitrary scale. If it's so arbitrary, why has everyone adopted it? Why does 'mute' begin at -80? (Please note that as a separate issue, Yamaha's new receivers have adjustable min-max volume settings. Default setting is -80 to +17. Plus 17?
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The reason I ask this is that I must play my new, slightly more powerful RX-A3010, at 4 or 5 dB higher on its amplitude scale than I did with my old RX-V2500. The 3010 is only a trivial 20 watt power improvement, but why the necessary volume increase adjustment required for the new unit? Measured by meter, same scenes, same music cuts, and identical test signals require an average of 4.5 dB higher setting on the RX-A3010...although nothing has changed EXCEPT the receiver and the interconnect (coax in the 2500 to HDMI in the 3010). I guess it's possible that there is some signal loss due to the HDMI cable...but I find that as illogical as the rest of the solutions to this issue that I've heard.
SO...anyone know what the real deal is with the receiver, and I presume pre-pro amplitude settings? (I was perfectly happy with the old 0-10 scale, btw...mute to max.
) Inquiring minds want to know.
PS: For giggles I'm going to install a more expensive (better?) HDMI cable this weekend. If that improves the output on the 3010, it's gonna change my entire outlook on cables...and I'd really hate that.
(I doubt I'll see any volume increase.)
