There are a couple different ways to approach the design of a volume control. One is to use the decibel as your basis of measure and carry it from some negative value (such as -60dB) up to 0dB (generally considered "reference level" and the point typically used for calibration) and even a bit higher. This method may not be as intuitive initially (partially because you spend most of your time counting down as you turn it up), but it is often preferred by audiophiles and enthusiasts because it provides a clear baseline between different products (calibrate both to 75dB at 0dB volume with a test disc and you can get the same output when both are set to a volume of -15dB). A second approach to a volume scale is to start and zero and count up using arbitrary increments to a maximum limit (0 to 80 on the Model 1050, for example). This approach can appear more logical, but it lacks the "standard" baseline for comparison.

If you calibrate a receiver or processor at 0dB (as could be done with the 1070 using the internal test tones and a Radio Shack sound meter) and your amp can handle the speakers (a 65W receiver like the 1050 or 1070 can handle a lot, but some really inefficient speakers will demand more power), then -20dB should be pretty comparable to perhaps 40 or so on your 1050's dial (if my memory of my old 1050 is at all accurate).