didn't think it read that high

measuring actual media with a spl meter is not the same as a constant tone. with media you have peaks and nulls, so unless it was some seriously consistent music you would not really get the loudness of the media. with music you can get an idea, but with movies its pretty pointless to do a realistic spl test.

for me, i have never thought to try to figure out what db i was watching my movies at. there is either not loud enough, too freaking loud, or just right (slightly loud).

there is never too loud for me,if at a certain volume an amp clips or a cone rattles,then back down the volume a notch and boom.not loud enough!
lot's of times,relaxing at home with a good cd i can find just right(slightly loud),but never too loud.

as a joke, i have 2 packs earplugs(from work),hanging outside the basement door as a warning.have a pack in my glovebox,also.

For what its worth I played with my RS meter for a variety of musical choices and set on C and slow I average 70-80 dB on rock and Jazz and anywhere from 60-90 dB on classical depending on the material. When I play movies at 85-90 dB everyone complains its too loud!