I just purchased an SPL meter yesterday...there is a thread about it in the HT forum.

Even though I am not 100% satisfied with the sound setup yet, the SPL meter made a HUGE difference. I would definitely reccomend getting one if you have not.

I also have the same questions as you. On the video essentials dvd I used as a reference, I had to turn the receiver WAY up to get it to the level the dvd said to tune it too. Quite a bit louder than I watch movies or listen to CD's at.

I am still unhappy with the dialog of the movies even though it is tuned to where it should be.