I do not know positively. My own experience is that I like to listen to each recording at a different setting. Classical music I like to play loudly. Rock too. However, Jazz is often played at a lower volume. It depends on the recording really.With the system I have now the only limiting factor is my nieghbors, and it is only out of consideration for them that I will turn down my music. It is only that I have to go to sleep at some point that I consider turning off my system at all. However, when I had an all pioneer system I really had to struggle to listen as long as I wanted to at any volume. This particular combination of components would give me the most unbelievable headache if I did not seriously limit my time with it.The sound was very bright and forward- grainy. In retrospect, I can see that there was a lot I could have done to tame some of this. As well, I think pioneer is a great company that makes some excellent components, so this is in no way a criticism of their products. What I made of this combination was unfriendly in the extreme. I think it was that grainy quality that lent most to my fatigue,even more so than perceived brightness. And yet, I remember still wanting to turn my music up louder. wierd.