do I have to match the db level on all speakers?


I have 3 Linn Unik speakers for the back sorround channels (rated at 88 db). For center I have a Linn Trikan rated at 91 db. My fronts are Linn Index rated at 88db (not sure about that). I have nad T753 receiver.
My questions is: do I have to adjust (in my receiver) the back and front channels to +3db in order to gett all speakers to 91db?
plamenz
I am pretty much on equal distances from each of the speakers (back speakers are closer to the listening position by aprox 2 feet). So I think ideally they all should be at 88db (or at 91db).
You need to balance the speakers. This is a must. The speaker distance to center listening position is also very important. If the reciever is not setup correctly,you have wasted to money you spent on it.

Tim
I don't know about your receiver, but if available, the distances from each speaker should be measured and entered, for coherent sound. White (or pink) noise is greatly preferable to a tone for setting speaker levels. I think there are DVDs and/or CDs that have such noise, if your receiver doesn't generate it. The Radio Shack sound level meter is inexpensive and good, Use the C scale and slow setting. Hold the meter near your seating position, and a bit away from you so as not to create a major acoustic shadow. Set the output of all speakers equal. Don't forget the sub, if you have one.

db

I think the distance is one thing and the db rating of the speakers is a completly different thing. The distance alone will be sufficient only if all speakers are the same, otherwise I believe an adjustment has to be made in order to set all channels to the same db level (88db or 90 db).