What is -26dB volume..?

[ΦBentBrotherΦ]

Another Noob question.→
yamaha reciever rx-v365.

The volume readout is in (+) and (-) dB.. like -26dB to +44dB.
Whatever happened to volume from say ► 0-100 .?
How do you read/interpret/interpelate a dB to real volume.?
Why is it done this way ~AND~ can it be changed, as an option..?
freekin' yamaha /
thxs
ΩBB

 

[Adam]

Those readings are relative to some reference volume at a reading of "0dB." For the systems with which I'm familiar that run auto set-up (using a microphone), they will set "0dB" on the volume control equal to an output of around 70dB at the listening position. Your 365 doesn't have an auto set-up, so a reading of "0dB" doesn't correspond to that particular reference level.

However, let's say for now that a reading of "0dB" equates to a volume of 70dB at the listening position. A reading of "-20dB" would equate to a volume of 50dB at the listening position (equal to 70 - 20). Make sense?

If you have an SPL meter, you could measure the output at your listening position at any reading to find out what the volume readings correspond to in terms of output.

I didn't see a way to set that volume reading in the owner's manual, but I could have missed it.

 

[sawzalot]

Another Noob question.→
yamaha reciever rx-v365.

The volume readout is in (+) and (-) dB.. like -26dB to +44dB.
Whatever happened to volume from say ► 0-100 .?
How do you read/interpret/interpelate a dB to real volume.?
Why is it done this way ~AND~ can it be changed, as an option..?
freekin' yamaha /
thxs
ΩBB

Heres a link I copied from this site some time ago.http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/498440.html

 

[croseiv]

My set up is calibrated such that -15 dB equals 70 dB SPL with test tones (Avia II) as measured with a Radio Shack SPL meter. So 0 dB would be 85 dB or Dolby Reference level (very loud). I watch movies from 70-75 dB or -15 to -10 dB on the MV.

 

[highfigh]

Another Noob question.→
yamaha reciever rx-v365.

The volume readout is in (+) and (-) dB.. like -26dB to +44dB.
Whatever happened to volume from say ► 0-100 .?
How do you read/interpret/interpelate a dB to real volume.?
Why is it done this way ~AND~ can it be changed, as an option..?
freekin' yamaha /
thxs
ΩBB

Volume controls attenuate the signal going to the power amp, they don't boost anything. The preamp may provide some gain but the power amp is where the grunt work is done and when the display sows -0dB, which is a reference level, it's at the maximum level, decided upon by the powers that be. Some receivers will go to +15dB or some other level, but that's generally because the maximum output from some sources is high than -0db. -0dB is a professional/broadcasting reference level, not a consumer audio reference level, so if pro gear is used, it often needs to have the volume control set higher than a consumer grade CD/DVD player.

 

[Warpdrv]

don't listen to these guys.....

IMO, -26 is no where near loud enough... thats all you need to know...

 

[cwall99]

You know it. I know it. We all know it... Just put an "11" on the receiver's faceplate somewhere around the volume knob....

 

[croseiv]

-26 dB would be very quiet in my system (nearly background level). I would suspect it would be in yours as well.

 

[ΦBentBrotherΦ]

Heres a link I copied from this site some time ago.http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/498440.html

Great article.. That helped to explain things a bit- thanks.!!
I still like 1→100 better.

 

[highfigh]

Great article.. That helped to explain things a bit- thanks.!!
I still like 1→100 better.

It's more comfortable to use because it's what has been around for consumers for so long but the 1-100 scale is totally ambiguous. Knowing the power output of the amplifier, it's possible to know approximately how much power is being produced when the attenuation method is used.

Reference levels make it possible to match equipment much better and that makes for a vastly better system design.

 

[MDS]

It's more comfortable to use because it's what has been around for consumers for so long but the 1-100 scale is totally ambiguous.

This is a common misconception and is why nobody gets it. An absolute scale of 0 - 100 is IDENTICAL to a scale that is -80 - +20 at least on the same receiver. Different receivers have different rail voltages and different gains so it is not possible to define '0 dB' as any specific combination of voltage and gain that would be consistent across all receivers. Likewise, you don't have to use zero for your reference setting, it's just convenient.

Onkyo receivers allow you to switch from absolute to relative at any time. Does the reference level suddenly go away when you change the view of the scale? Of course not. The scale could be a - ZZZ and it would be the same.

Knowing the power output of the amplifier, it's possible to know approximately how much power is being produced when the attenuation method is used.

If by power you mean watts or a particular voltage level, then no. If the manufacturer said that at '0 db' on the dial, the receiver is putting out X volts then that is one thing but power in watts will vary with impedance of the load and output SPL will vary with the input level of the digital audio - hence knowing the value is worthless.

 

[highfigh]

This is a common misconception and is why nobody gets it. An absolute scale of 0 - 100 is IDENTICAL to a scale that is -80 - +20 at least on the same receiver. Different receivers have different rail voltages and different gains so it is not possible to define '0 dB' as any specific combination of voltage and gain that would be consistent across all receivers. Likewise, you don't have to use zero for your reference setting, it's just convenient.

Onkyo receivers allow you to switch from absolute to relative at any time. Does the reference level suddenly go away when you change the view of the scale? Of course not. The scale could be a - ZZZ and it would be the same.



If by power you mean watts or a particular voltage level, then no. If the manufacturer said that at '0 db' on the dial, the receiver is putting out X volts then that is one thing but power in watts will vary with impedance of the load and output SPL will vary with the input level of the digital audio - hence knowing the value is worthless.

The signal can be referenced using the preamp level to -0VU, which is actually what I meant to post. That's not impedance dependent, like amplifier output. If the scale is 0 -100 but no units are associated with it, it's meaningless.