I am sorry to be so ignorant but I think I'm not alone. I have asked several people at my local "high end" stereo outlets this same question and after about 10 seconds I realize that they don't know, but don't want to admit they don't know, so they talk in circles. I t would be greatly appreciated if someone could explain what -db is. My Yamaha RX-V2400 has -db settings on the volume control. My normal comfortable listening range is around -20db. If I'm in the mood to crank I turn it up to -10db. My question is, isn't 0db silence? I have yet to have heard an explanation that sounds reasonable. I thank all in advance for attempting to clarify this for me.