Bob, you want to make sure your meter is on "C"weighting and set the response to "slow." Then, simply sit in your normal listening position and hold the meter upright (I try to hold it close to my head to approximate a reading where my ears are). With the receiver's test tone calibrate your left front speaker to 70-75dB (70dB may be easier to read on the meter--turn the big dial to 70 and when the needle is on 0, or right in the middle, you're at 70 dB. Then, play the test tone through the other speakers, matching the same decibel level to the left front. You can tweak a little here and there to suit your tastes. Some set the center channel just a tad higher, but it's all personal preference.
