Each receiver works differently for volume control. Some have lots of sound right away in the lower numbers but distort halfway up. Others have quieter sounds in the lower numbered regions and just keep getting better the farther up you turn it.
Either way, I wouldn't let the audio myth that "volume control settings decide power output" steer you away from any decision. The Onkyo receivers are good at what they do. Yes you have to turn it up to 40-50 to get decent sound, but it's all good from there on up.
Enjoy!
