newbie question about volume control

[DUBSY]

For my information. Why does my volume display always show - dbs? I've never needed to push it passed - 20.0 db. This is a Yamaha a/vr. If there is a long educational explanation I'd like to read it.Thanks

 

[lovinthehd]

Some avrs show relative volume scale as apparently yours is currently set, some show an absolute volume scale (I have a few avrs that you can set to either at your preference). It's meaningful if you've calibrated your avr (with YPAO or other measurements), and can be compared somewhat with other setups for discussion for example (many here prefer the relative volume scale for such). Try this explanation https://www.soundandvision.com/content/‘relative’-vs-‘absolute’-volume-what’s-difference

 

[DUBSY]

This was a good read as was the one on impedance to which you referred me in another post. Thanks again.