Encoding AC3 produces low audio in CS3

Hi All!
I'm trying to encode a .wav file to ac3 with the surcode plugin that I have purchased, and the resulting ac3 file is quieter than the original .wav.  I know this is normal, but I need it to match the original as close as possible.  I've read that if you set the Dialog Normalization to -31, and the Dynamic Compression Preset to 'None', the resulting file should match more closely.  The thing is, I swear I've done that in the past, and it worked, but now, it doesn't.
I'm producing a stereo track, with Complete Main selected, and can't think of anything else!
Any help/thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Mike

Totally agree Steve - the BBC have said the same to me in the past
Dialogue Normalization is a funny old setting - it actually refers to the amount of attenuation applied to the audio source with -31db meaning no attenuation, which should mean that the volume of the audio is preserved throughout the compression process.
There's a lot more to this, of course, have a look here for some plain explanations:
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume72/feature-article-dialog-normalization-6-2000.html

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