Does It have to be loud?

@elizabeth

I have tried numerous phone apps with multiple phones and they all read about 6 to 8 db lower than my Extech meter. I’ve only encountered one app that allows a C-weighted measurement, but it doesn’t record peaks like the Extech. If you blow into the mic of a real meter you can easily register over 100db. Try doing it with a phone mic and you’ll max out around 90db. 

First of all, thanks all of you for your input. I do agree that it is more about dynamics rather that just loudness. Any continued SPL above 85 dba will result in hearing damage, so needless to say this is not recommended. My hearing –after 40 years running around on electricity power plants- is not very good anymore, Nevertheless, I’m certainly able to enjoy the music, and I love the dynamics. Unfortunately, not many systems are able to present the full dynamic range available. Most of the systems will run into distortion when playing 90-95 dba SPL at listening position.  Don’t be fooled, 95 dba is loud! Now, considering a background noise level of let’s say 40 dba, and a dynamic range of 50 db on a very good CD, your system must be able to produce undistorted SPL of 90 dba. That’s it. You may wish to have a bit headroom, but if your system plays SPL peaks up to 95 dba undistorted, you’re good. Believe me, not too many systems can. Other than that, I play music at a level which I believe would be natural. So if a singer would be standing in between the speakers, how loud could she/he possibly sing without amplification, that’s the norm for me. Of course, occasionally I do play louder, depending on the music. But hardly ever do I exceed the 90-95 dba peak SPL. (and yes, I measure with an Extech SPL meter, it does make a difference)

Many people are a tone of deafness that the reason they listen loudly
if these people consult an orl  surprise they don t hear middle and high frequency but especially grave