I am having a similar issue with MAX volume. Not sure if it is the source or 976 setup. The volume is lower from a DVR DirecTV table top box. Also different volumes playing cd's. There is 0 headroom using outlaw 976>7000x, 4k DirecTV and Sony X800M2 player..
Does different sources and/or formats have any effect on MAX volume?
_________________________
976>7000X
tcl 65R625
3-dcm/qed
2-paradigm atoms 2-paradigm adp-170
1-elac 3030 sub
nad 1155>2-2155
2-jbl c40 2-jbl c34
audiotechnica
sony ubp-x800m2