Volume Levels on various inputs

[Mike613]

This is probably a beginner question but I've done a quick search and couldn't find the answer on these forums.

I've got a Yamaha HTR 5640 receiver that I purchased a few years ago. I find myself having to turn the volume up to at least -30 while watching dvds and watching tv, yet -50 is a comfortable level for xbox 360.

Why the difference in volume levels for different sources? Is -30 or -25 a safe level for the amp to be operating at? Is there a way to "turn up" the volume coming from the tv and dvd player so I can play the receiver at a lower level?

 

[Nick250]

You are not over taxing or harming your receiver at the sound levels you are using. No worries. I have to turn up my receiver when I use the signal from my cable box vs all the other devices connected to my receiver.

Nick

 

[mnnc]

This is probably a beginner question but I've done a quick search and couldn't find the answer on these forums.

I've got a Yamaha HTR 5640 receiver that I purchased a few years ago. I find myself having to turn the volume up to at least -30 while watching dvds and watching tv, yet -50 is a comfortable level for xbox 360.

Why the difference in volume levels for different sources? Is -30 or -25 a safe level for the amp to be operating at? Is there a way to "turn up" the volume coming from the tv and dvd player so I can play the receiver at a lower level?

I am surprised you can hear it at that low volume. I play xbox at -37/-30 approx. Music about the same, perhaps -20's, and movies at about -17/-15 average. This is normal when all channels have been balanced correctly. Balanced meaning that a test signal either from recv'r or a test disc used in conjunction w/ a spl meter has been used to level all the channels being used whether or not it is 2, 5, or 7 channels plus the lfe/sub chanel. You level the channels using the test tone and channel gains within the recvr's setup menu. There is a standard level. Typically all channelas set to output the signal/tone at 85db. when you use volume control and it reads -25 for instance, this means you are listening to -25db reference level. That is WAY below reference. Long story short...crank it up. Your vol readout should go to 0 and then +18 or so. Your typical -30(48/50 increments away from wide open!) is probably not even pushing a watt!!!!! yes one watt! more likely a half watt output.

 

[Mike613]

The volume ranges from -100 to 0. After all these years I have never calibrated anything with the system (like I said I am a beginner at this). When I upgrade in a short time I will invest in a SPL meter to calibrate it properly.

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[Nuglets]

It is perfectly normal to experience differences in volume between different sources. In fact, there can be differences in volume just by changing the channel on the television, switching to a different cd, or changing the game that you are playing. There is also no need to worry about turning you receiver to any numeric level on the display. The only thing I would be sure to do in a case where the sound is very quiet unless turned up substantially, is to be sure to turn it back down before changing to a different source that may be louder.