Greetings!

Was wondering if someone cld help me with some answers:

I recently bought a Pioneer VSX D912K. I've connected it to the
acoustic research (AR HC4) 5.1 speakers and 2 AR 226 ps in the front,
So basically 7.1. I have a cheapie RCA dvd player - RC5240P ($59
Canadian) and a Panasonic VCR - PV-V4540.

Questions:

I find that the overall output level is low (I compare this to similar
DVDs played at friends' who have cheaper systems).Why?

When I play a DVD - why do I get a richer sound if i run it thru the
VCR, even when it's on the same surround mode?

Do DVD players have differing sound output levels? To clarify, if I
play the same dvd on two diff dvd players will the volume (sound
output) differ?

How does the RCA dvd player - RC5240P rate?

Hope someone has some advice.

Thanks