a/v receiver volume question

[HeyEddie]

My home theater receiver volume reads -80 to 0. Can this translate to db. What is reference on this range? Thanks in advance.

[kexodusc]

The display doesn't really mean anything in terms of dB. It's dependant on a lot of factors, the sensitivity of your speakers (some speakers play louder with the same amount of power to them), your room setup, speaker proximity to walls, the number of speakers producing the signal, the output sensitivity of the source components, etc.

What the display is reasonably good for is gauging how many dB's you move as you turn the dial up and down.

I recommend spending $40-$60 on an SPL meter to gauge sound pressure level (dB's). Radioshack sells there's for below $50, and it's good enough for most home theater purposes.