Denon 2309 Question

[eandytemp]

Hello all,

Newbie here that is wondering about volume control. It seems like I really have to turn the volume up to start hearing anything. It my first receiver in years so maybe things have changed. Volume starts at 70 I believe, but even into the thirties it seems low. Down to 10 and it is very loud. Just curious and any input would be great.

Speakers powered:
B&W CM1 and BMW CM center and B&W CWM650 rears.

Thanks,

Andy

 

[MDS]

Does the receiver use a relative scale for the volume control? Because receivers don't generally start at high numbers and go down, unless you meant volume starts at -70 and is louder at -30 and still louder at -10 (which is the way it works).

The numbers themselves don't mean anything until you've calibrated the receiver such that a given input level results in a specific output SPL when the volume display is at a certain point (which would be 0 dB when using the relative scale). For example, if you calibrate using the internal test tones (which are at -30 dB) such that each channel reads 75 dB on an SPL meter you will have 105 dB PEAKS when the digital level of the soundtrack peaks (also 0 dB). Once you do that, the scale shows you how far below that 'reference level' you are currently listening.

The receiver has a wide volume level and gets progressively louder as you get closer to 0. Keep in mind too that different sources have widely varying levels - a DVD movie has a far lower average level than a modern CD so the CD will be much louder than the DVD at the same number on the volume scale.

 

[eandytemp]

Yes, you are correct, I meant -70 and so on. So to calibrate I would adjust to volume wanted, say -20 and then run the test tones?

 

[mike c]

Hello all,

Newbie here that is wondering about volume control. It seems like I really have to turn the volume up to start hearing anything. It my first receiver in years so maybe things have changed. Volume starts at 70 I believe, but even into the thirties it seems low. Down to 10 and it is very loud. Just curious and any input would be great.

Speakers powered:
B&W CM1 and BMW CM center and B&W CWM650 rears.

Thanks,

Andy

sounds about right. my 2309 is at about -20 while my previous 2307 was -25 for the same setup and volume.

Yes, you are correct, I meant -70 and so on. So to calibrate I would adjust to volume wanted, say -20 and then run the test tones?

when you adjust the test tones the volume automatically goes to 0db

 

[Highbar]

Your speakers don't have a really high sensitivity at 84dB for the mains and 85dB for the center, it's not especially low either. You're going to need to turn the volume a little higher with them than say a speaker rated at 90dB. You could get a more powerful amp but that's about it.

 

[eandytemp]

Thanks allot guys.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Very simple reason.

Hi Andy,

Welcome to Audioholics.

If you use the Audyssey audio mode on your Denon AVR-2309ci when listening to music or movies, it is normal that your volume is lower.

Just to verify, turn Audyssey audio mode OFF, and use the Pure Direct audio mode, your volume level should increase (be reestablish).

* The reason is that when you use Audyssey, there is a volume level that is set individually for each channel, and some channels are set at a higher level.
So, it has to compensate for this in the Master Volume Level.
Also Audyssey has a level of protection against overloading (clipping), so your Master Volume Level is safe at any db level.

** Also the low sensitivity of your speakers dictate that too.

Bob

 

[eandytemp]

Thanks again. I will try that.

 

[MDS]

The reason is that when you use Audyssey, there is a volume level that is set individually for each channel, and some channels are set at a higher level.
So, it has to compensate for this in the Master Volume Level.

The same thing can occur if you calibrate manually. Just to be clear, this does not affect the range of the volume, only the highest number you will see on the dial.

If a channel trim is zero and the scale goes from 0 - 80: 80 'steps' of volume.
If a channel trim is six, the scale will go from 0 - 74: still 80 steps.

 

[Lordoftherings]

The same thing can occur if you calibrate manually. Just to be clear, this does not affect the range of the volume, only the highest number you will see on the dial.

If a channel trim is zero and the scale goes from 0 - 80: 80 'steps' of volume.
If a channel trim is six, the scale will go from 0 - 74: still 80 steps.

Well, that's exactly what people refer to, when they think their master volume level is different from their older receivers.

And furthermore, when Audyssey is engaged, it's a different ball game; the volume seems to be lower because the DSP protects the master volume from overloading, taking into account the several points of increasing the levels at certain frequencies from the digital filtration.