This question was asked a while back. Well, I was bored the other night and for some odd reason this question popped into my mind. I then emailed HK support and asked them and got this response:

Paul,
Good evening and thank you for your inquiry. You are correct in your
assumption. At the 0dB reference point, the HK receivers are at their
maximum rated power output. In this case, it would be 65W into 2 channels
(55W into 5 channels). We actually provide a little bit of headroom (up to
+10dB), for components that have really low signal outputs (i.e. older
cassette decks, or, turntables).


Thanks again for your e-mail, and please let us know if you have any other
questions.

I hope this helps.


Sincerely,

Mark Tirotta

Internet Support Specialist

*ps: If replying to this e-mail, please include all previous correspondence.


It is the only way that I can keep up with your situation.

Thank you.

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Tue 2/3/2004 6:12 PM
To: Web Support
Cc:
Subject: Harmankardon.com: Questions regarding Harman Kardon North/South
American Products



A message from:
Paul
Model Number: AVR 320

Hi guys/gals, I have a question concerning the 0db reference on the volume
attenuator. Does 0db indicate that the receiver is playing at the rated
output of say 55wpc? If not, what does the 0db indicate? Thanks, Paul.
Tech Note:
216.60.25.6,,Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.0)