The LFE channel in 5.1 surround has an additional 10 dB of headroom for low-frequency effects

In 5.1 surround the LFE (Low-Frequency Effects, or ‘Boom’) channel — the ‘.1’ — carries roughly 25 Hz to 120 Hz for effects such as explosions. It is built with an additional 10 dB of headroom over the main channels to accommodate the extra power needed to reproduce loud low-frequency content without distortion. A bass-management circuit combines LFE with low frequencies redirected from the main channels into the subwoofer.

Examples

A deep effect routed to the LFE can use 10 dB more level than the main channels before distorting, because the channel is specified with that extra headroom.

Assessment

Why does the LFE channel in a 5.1 system carry an additional 10 dB of headroom compared to the main channels?