I set my default volume to a low level (-35db) at power up to avoid having a transient affect my speakers just in case something is wrong internally. As pointed out earlier, each source has a different output signal into the 976 or any other processor for that matter. The only real volume the default volume signal can be sure of is the internal signal from the tuner. Every other source is going to present a slightly different loudness at your ears at the default volume setting. I just had to learn what I like to listen at for each source.