I have the exact same setup as you! I have the Yamaha RXV 2500 and am using the line out to my Quad 909 power amplifier for my Quad 22L speakers (fronts) I'm also using the Yamaha amps to drive the center and rear channels. At first I was frustrated with it needing to go to -20 to -10 db to get any big sound.

The SOURCE has a great impact on the volume. My CD player, Quad CD-P with RCA outputs plays REALLY loud ( at -15db my house shakes).

For DVD, I connected my Denon 2910 with digital coaxial cable and prefer watching movies at -9 to about -13 db.

For my satellite, I used optical cable and volumes are VERY soft. Depending on the channels I have to crank it up to -2db to get some air moving.

So to answer your question, YES it's perfectly normal. Don't be concerned with it but make sure that if you go above -2 db you pay attention to the sound and make sure it isn't distorting and such... you should have no such problems anyway but I would hate to be responsible for your stereo blowing up.

P.S. after extended play both amps get quite hot, so make sure there is alot of free air around them..

Cheers,

cgII