I did try that at first. In fact, when I turn the trim down to around -10, the SPL meter reads around 75 db. However, the difference is very noticable...to wit, almost non-existance of bass. Perhaps that is what it should sound like, but I like to hear and feel the bass. Now, the other issue involved here is probably the sub placement. I'm going to order a 30 or 40' cable from blue jeans cable so I can really experiment with the sub's placement. I'm thinking my primary listening/viewing spot is right in the middle bass dead spot.