If your running digital I belive the standard reference is -12dbfs peak.

thanks, but i'm talking about some trick to get a really hot RMS level.

I see

Some people will crush the low end but obviously the result will sound awful. Then again, if the cheap integrated speakers in a television are your only target, this may work out a bit better.

Also, -20 dBFS=0 VU is usually safer from the clamp down of broadcasters' limiters.

-Erik