Rick –

I turn the volume knob on the sub about 50%, then check SPL with the meter. If the AVR setting is within + / - 10 DB, I leave it alone. If not, I move it to get it within this range. This gives me roughly 10 DB of control on the AVR for ‘tweaking’ the sub level to a desired out up or down. I tend to run my LFE channel about 3 DB higher than the mains. I also like my center channel 2 db higher than the mains.