newbie help

[B&W1]

Hello, I just calibrated my system using the radio shack spl meter and the white noise of my onkyo integra dtr 6.5receiver. (c-weighted, slow) The settings are very low.
left/ -2db
center/ -3
right/ -3
surround rt/ -4
surround left/ -2
Sub/ +1

I have two subs hooked up klipch rw8 and I got a ksw 10 for $150 from Costco today.

I'm concerned because with the speaker levels set so low I have to play the receiver at volume level 60. It sounds great but before I calibrated the max I would play it was 50.

Can I damage the receiver or speakers playing them at that level?
If I spring for a Martin Logan Dynamo or HSU vtf will the difference in sub sound be that great?

Thanks.

 

[krzywica]

You shouldn't damage your Receiver unless you hear audible distortion, most modern receivers feature protection from overvoltage and overheating.

And yes it would be a HUGE difference with either an ML, or and HSU subwoofer.

 

[Seth=L]

ML dynamo will kill Klipsch in the same price bracket, as well HSU.

 

[krzywica]

ML dynamo will kill Klipsch in the same price bracket, as well HSU.

Hey Seth....would you put your ML against ANY sub in the $600-$700 price range? I am seriously considering picking one up next week.

 

[B&W1]

Thanks Seth and Krzywica for your responses. Seth: are you saying the ML is better than the HSU?

 

[Seth=L]

Seth: are you saying the ML is better than the HSU?

No, but based on reviews and testimonials, the Martin Logan Dynamo is great bang for buck and it looks nice as well (form factor is great). The HSU STF-2 would be in line with the Martin Logan Dynamo in terms of output and comparable frequency responce. I used to have an HSU STF-2, it was a great subwoofer. I don't know why I got rid of it.

I have not personally heard the Martin Logan Dynamo, but from what I read about it it will walk all over the Klipsch KSW and Synergy subwoofers.

 

[B&W1]

I calibrated the system again, set the volume level on the receiver to 84, reference level and WOW!

I got a new system. my wife watched all three matrix movies. The separation in the surround sound is incredible. that 8 inch klipsch reference sub kicks but. I could barely hear the KSW-10. I noticed it only has a 50 watt amp. I will be getting the martin logan or the HSU.

If you have not calibrated yet please do, it made all the difference in my system. Thanks all.