Silly ?? re: volume markings

[jthomas666]

So, when I turn the volume dial on my receiver, the volume display changes in increments of .5 db. The lowest setting is -80db, and I probably don't want to know what the highest setting is.

But what do the numbers MEAN?

And why do we have these numbers as opposed to a simple 0-10 (or, if you receiver is rated over 150 watts/ch, 0-11?

Just an odd question that popped into my head.

 

[GlocksRock]

-80 means it is 80db below reference level. -10 means it is 10db below reference level. You set the reference level, which is 0 on the dial, by adjusting the level of each channel.

 

[nibhaz]

there are a number of threads concerning this topic. Just use the search function.

 

[MDS]

Search for the thread titled 'These go to eleven'.

 

[mtrycrafts]

So, when I turn the volume dial on my receiver, the volume display changes in increments of .5 db. The lowest setting is -80db, and I probably don't want to know what the highest setting is.
But what do the numbers MEAN?
And why do we have these numbers as opposed to a simple 0-10 (or, if you receiver is rated over 150 watts/ch, 0-11?
Just an odd question that popped into my head.

What receiver you have with this? You could unplug the speakers, all of them and then increase the volume control to see what markings it has

If it is a THX rated receiver, the master volume control will automatically go to 0 with the test tones, then you trim each channel to 75dB spl with internal test tones. That is called reference level, what others mentioned here. Listening at this level may be very loud though.

 

[no. 5]

Listening at this level may be very loud though.

...very uncomfortable, and hearing loss inducing, too.