Thanks for checking back in Gonk. I've been monkeying around with this most of the day, switching inputs and cables and re-calibrating and such, but see if this last procedure I tried makes sense to you.

RF of DVD multi-channel line out ----> Rotel 985 ------> Center speaker....measure with SPL meter.

RF of DVD multi-channel line out ----> Rotel 991 ------> Center speaker....measurement is
-3db.

This by-passes the 950 and all other variants were the same: Program material (DVE test signal), source, cables, and speaker.

Sounds like the amp to me. Next question is what to do I guess.

If you can get the Rotel serviced locally, I'd start with that - at least determine what needs to be done and if it is worth it. If it can't be fixed, then you may need to investigate replacing it. I'm sure Outlaw would be happy to sell you a pair of M200's.

So the answer to the topic question IS.....ME!

Yessir, apparently the only thing that needs adjustment is my brain, and perhaps my ears. I got the amp back from the shop a bit ago and they confirmed that I basically shouldn't own a calibration disc and will be sending someone out to collect my SPL meter.

A friend of mine has told me that different amps have different gains, regardless of power ratings, and settings can vary from one calibration to another due to minor differences in room conditions and other things.

Regardless I got my new mains (B&W 604's) and all is well. I've resigned myself to the fact that I shouldn't nit-pick, turned up the main settings, and am now enjoying as I should've been. Only problem now is the damn 990 is out and I'm thinking I really *should* get the most out of the speakers (although that new Arcam unit looks enticing too).

Thanks to those who responded.

I just bought a Sherbourn 5/1500A 5 channel amp and though i have only played with it a few days, i notice the same thing. The center and surround channels are much louder than the fronts. I have a Video Essentials test disc, so i guess i need to calibrate it, but i dont understand why this would happen.

Definitely calibrate the system (using either VE or the processor's test tones) - it's a critical step for a surround system. As to why there would be a disparity, one potential reason could be differences in speaker efficiency (your center and surrounds possibly being more efficient than your mains).

HA! It's contaigous (sp?).

1 - I would follow Gonk's suggestion of checking specs on your speaks. Resistance can make a difference.

2 - Definately calibrate with a good disc.

3 - Don't listen to me because I obviously don't know what the hell I'm doing.

you should definately research what your attempting to do, before adjusting settings on your preamp, i never let my kids touch my equipment, because they just like to push buttons and look at the pretty lights, but really have no idea what they're doing.

I thought I'd ressurect this thread based on my recent findings....and Gonk, you had it right from the beginning.

I was pulling all my gear out to reassemble on my flexy rack I just finished and saw the switch you mentioned. Earlier I had mistaken what must be a locking mechanism for the balanced inputs for the switch. Well sure enough the switch was in the balanced position.

Of course putting it back into the unbalanced position set things right. Channel settings are once again where they should be, and everything looks nice (finally) sitting on the flexy. Just don't hate a brother 'cause he's ignorant

(BTW the 950 is ultimately vindicated once again)

So the shop didn't comment on the balanced switch back in August? We won't hate a brother 'cause his local shop didn't catch the problem either.