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I have learned a great deal about this hobby in the 3 years since I put together my current system. There's a few gaps still, but most of my understanding is fairly solid. Don't know why I never re-checked my original setup, but I decided to pull out the RatShack meter and revisit my receiver setup and found some interesting surprises. Of those, the one I can't get past is the sub level. The main channels are balanced to 75db at reference volume just fine, but I'm getting readings of around 85-87db on the RatShack after I just turned down both the volume on the sub and the channel level in the receiver considerably. Now, I know that I've been running my sub very hot the last 3 years, and for 2 of those I've been turning the level down for movies then turning them back up. With the new adjusutments I've made the bass sounds very integrated and restrained for all listening modes. With cd's it seems like there is no bass at all at lower volumes. I realize that particular sensation will pass once I've adjusted, but I simply can't get over the fact that the sub level is still reading over 10db too hot. I even cranked a few movies and the sub never sounded distressed. The room is small and oddly shaped, with an uncommonly low 41hz first axial peak. But how can I still be 10db hot when my ears say there's no bass? Am I missing something here? BTW, I am very certain that I am taking the RatShack measurments properly. Not really a technical question, but I'd like your opinions on this. It'll help me sleep better. 