I have my EP800 set to full volume & the Denon is at +6 (can go to +12). It is loud, but as stated earlier, not nearly as loud as my old JBL was. Turning the Denon up any further results in those 'popping' sounds I described (the second new driver should be here any day) & still not as much volume as the cheaper sub.
Once the second driver is installed I'm not expecting any more popping noises, but I don't expect it to get any louder either. Keep in mind I'm very pleased with its performance. If I wasn't I certainly would have returned it for the $2300 dollar price tag it came with. Its just that I've heard much louder, & I am sure there are probably many people out there that would expect a sub costing better than two grand to put a $400 dollar sub to shame.
It does so with sound quality, but it would lose a sound pressure competition.
