just because something is set at a reference level or calibrated by a machine to be flat, doesnt mean it will be the way you prefer something to sound. we have hearing loss, personal taste, etc. i recommend using reference settings as a "reference" of where to start rather than the perfect setting for everyone. no one is going to tell me how i like to listen to my movies or music. also you will have to adjust settings sometimes because all media is not normalized in sound or in sound quality. one dvd might sound great, but another needs more volume in certain ranges, etc. make yourself happy rather than let references or standards rule your listening habits.