I have a middle of the road Yamaha RXV681 AVR w/ 90 w/2 channel @8 ohms 20-20khz, or 150w/1 channel @4 ohms at 1khz.
My left and right speakers are 86db @ 6 ohm Dynaudio Emit10 L/R speakers, so it's not uncommon to use amp at -8.5 on the volume control which is pretty near max output at '0' in a 2.0 system. I'm ready to step up to 3.0 for better dialogue clarity.
The matching Dynaudio Emit 25c center is 87db @4 ohms.
But I can get the older Excite x24c center which is 85db @8 ohms.
Which is easier on my AVR?
Thanks
I have a couple Yamahas also, but WOW, -8.5 is LOUD in my living room. Movies, are quite decently loud on mine at about -16 at most. Only a few really low level movies have I had to move way up to -14.
For music listening, I rarely go over -18 or so, maybe -14 for some quieter classical stuff, but most rock/pop is more like -20 or a bit higher at most.
My speakers are obviously a "bit" more efficient at 89db/watt
I know you said you sold the Yamaha, but just wondering out loud, how we could both own VERY similar models yet use far different volume levels. The sensitivity of your speakers is only about 3db less or so.
I have a 12x20' living room, not big for sure, but quite absorbent, not live at all either.
My yamaha at even -14 or so is QUITE loud.