I have not used a rat shack meter but have used the auto calibration feature in the HK. From there I adjusted slightly to my taste. I have also experimented with placement and ended up with the L and R mains about 1 foot from the front wall and about 9 feet apart. The center channel is on top of my 53 inch Sony CRT TV. I also tweaked the placement of my sub and found a good home for it next to my right front speaker with the driver pointing into the center of the room.
I'm not 100% sure what you mean by hot. If that means loud, then yes I have listened to my system loud. The system at the Hifi store was running moderate to loud. I had them audition several different brands including Rotel, Sunfire and the massive Denon 5910 receiver.
Aside from the SPL meter adjustments, I think I have things calibrated pretty good. I'm wondering if upgrading the DVD player would help too??? I have a two year old Sony player that probably doesn't hold a candle to an Oppo or Denon player.
I appreciate the comments and suggestions. Please keep them coming!
Chris
