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How Loud Do You Listen??? Do You Know?????????

I found myself having to re-balance the speakers in my HT today….. well, I have both the digital and analog Radio Shack meters (wouldn’t have bought the analog…but thought the Great Dane had eaten the digital one so….). well, I sat around tonight after setting up the Halloween decorations listening to music….. and had the SPL meters out…….

I must say I was surprised to find out that I was listening to music @ 94 dBs! (FWIW It was Elton John Funeral For a Friend, SACD). I know I have demo’d my system for friends at much higher volumes… I’m afraid to document the levels there…….

I must admit, my stereo/HT handled this level perfectly! I could have gone louder…if I needed, but I just don’t think I do!!!

I’m curious if any of you have documented how loud you listen to your tunes at??

FWIW I don’t normally listen at this level…it was a good day….
128x128kennyt
mejames
986 posts
 
gee Beavis thought you would say 110 decibels how was your user name chosen it doesn't seem match with your indicated average listening level? lets see 100 decibels is about average for me at listening position.
gregm
3,405 posts
 
Sean sez:
we all know that volume varies with our mood and recordings, so how do you tell what an "average" really is
Good point! One way of "averaging" is to measure voice at listening position. In my case that's ~5m away from the spkrs. I usually "average" 82-85db spl with opera aria.

BTW, as Dusty mentioned 800W -- that's ~29 db added on to the reference sensitivity. But the amp's current capacity plays a role too... I thought Maggies were around 84db -- and can they take 800W?? I'd be afraid of damaging the ribbons.
cinematic_systems
282 posts
 
Sean,

Why don't you buy an SPL meter so you know what you're talking about :). $50 well spent and you'll learn something about you and your system!

It really isn't all that philosophical and although different music will create a range you are correct....the keyword is Average and you'll find you have a sweet spot where you typically play the system. That sweet spot could define a limitation in your system and room size also music preferences.

Using an SPL meter is a great way to buy speakers, you'll be shocked how loud you can listen to one speaker and the next speaker is doing all sorts of nasty stuff that makes it sound 10 times louder at the same SPL.

PS: 88-94dB
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Mostly 75-85db at my listening position, add some refreshments to the mix and I'll crack the 90's.

90db. and above is very loud in my room.

Dave
ashra's avatar
ashra
148 posts
 
It varies with the presence of my mate. For some reason it's always louder with her absence. I'll have to pick one of those meters from Rat-Shack.
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