Hi - I'm a new 990 owner, and I'm eager to try the auto-calibration of the audio channels, but I was a bit intimidated by the User's Guide's warning about the high volume levels used. It even suggests using a tripod for the mic so that I can run from the room before my ears start to bleed?? Okay, that's not really the exact wording - it's probably more a recommendation for general comfort than pain avoidance, but still, I recall the old rule of thumb that if it's too loud for your ears, then it's probably not doing your speakers any good, either.

Are the levels loud enough to put my speakers at risk? I have B&W 600 series mains and center, and Def. Tech. sub and surrounds. I don't recall the exact model numbers off-hand, but I know they're rated to handle the 100 W my amps are rated to provide with minimal distortion.

The levels involved are equivalent to using the internal test tones to manually calibrate - which measure at 75dB, and will not harm your speakers or your ears. It is loud enough that it is irritating (my four-year-old is very much not fond of it). The tripod is a good idea because it puts the mic at ear level without your head being in the way.

Ah, thanks, gonk - 75 dB sounds pretty safe - I'll give it a shot.

I figured the Outlaws would be pretty unlikely to incorporate a feature that put their customers' equipment at risk, but I just wanted to check, anyway.

I read this and thought about when I auto calibrated my speakers with the 990's test tones. I figureI'll give everyone a chuckle on this Friday.
After reading the manual I was so paranoid about the loudness of the test tone I wore my Peltor ear-muffs that I use when mow the lawn or use my leaf blower.

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/product/peltor-earmuffs-h10a.html

Wife comes home after the testing to see me wearing the ear muffs in the house and was wondering WTF was I doing.

Later I had to recalibrate and couldn't find the ear muffs and found the test tone to be not that loud. Boy did I feel dumb.

Take Care. JD

Ha ha - thanks, JayDee - I'm glad to hear I wasn't the only one. I also considered putting in ear plugs ...

Finally I just tried the auto-calibration, and sure enough, it's loud, but nothing worse that what comes out of the speakers for certain movie soundtracks. The bursts are also short, so there's really little chance for any damage to occur.

That was a funny story JayDee Your wife should have taken a picture with the caption "A serious Audiophile".
Bruce E I have B&W 804's and as Gonk stated (which by the way he gives excellent advice) there will be no damage to your speakers as there was none done to my 804's.
I love my B&W's!!!
Hope that you enjoy the 990. It is an awesome piece of equipment.
As Outlaw is a tremedious company to establish a relationship.

Frank