Unless they reinstated the catalogue item, Radio Shack stopped carrying the analog version of their sound meter; now you can only get the more expensive and less-responsive digital version. Try another electronics store.

That being said, Chad: is your system 5.1 surround or not? And what kind is it? Also, what's the rated power per channel? Have you used a disc like the AVIA DVD to set your levels.... I always have my center channel just a tad louder than my front speakers, although there are some DVDs that are really so-well recorded that I have to turn it back down. A powerful centre channel speaker can make a big difference, too. I used to think any old speaker would do, until I decided to upgrade a little bit. Of course, there are a couple of pros on this site who don't even use a centre speaker... . I also have my rears turned up a lot higher when watching TV than I do with a true 5.1 track. There just isn't enough oomph otherwise. ... Mike