So I looked around, apparently a THX reference level 0 db signal played at a systems 0 attenuation level is supposed to be 105 db .... but of course the folks producing the movie are free to record at whatever level they choose, and even more obviously we are free to adjust our systems overall gain as we see fit.

AVIA is recorded at -20 db referenced to THX reference level, so IF we use it to calibrate our systems output to 85db at 0 attenuation we will be reproducing 105 db if the signal is encoded at THX reference level .... whoooo.

Seems right. Comments?

That matches my understanding - and my fuzzy memory that AVIA recommends calibrating to 85dB (haven't actually used AVIA, so my memory is based on comments from others in various forums).

Thanks Charlie and gonk for the help in uderstanding the whole calibration of gear to reference levels. I think I kind of understood before but now it is a little more clear. I think this whole thread has helped me to become a little more clear on what I want to do as far as upgrading my system right now. I think that I am going to buy three 2200 and run them thru my Nad 752 for now and let the 752 run the rears. This will afford me the option to add a nice preamp and maybe two or three more 2200 in the future while greatly enhancing my current system now. Thanks again everyone for your helpfull comments.