Well, it depends what you have pushing your speakers. 85db will sound different on an entry level to moderate priced receiver, due to distortion, than it will with a higher-end receiver or a separate amp. I'm sure that anyone here who has upgraded to separate amps can tell the difference when listening to movies or music at the same volume level they used with a receiver. I know with every receiver I have used, when playing music at 80-85 db's, my ears would fatigue after a short while of listening; but with a good amp, playing at the same level or higher, the sound is clean clear and smooth. At least that has been my experience.
