What is the proper loudness for listening?

@laynes that could be odd order harmonic distortion that makes the treble hard to handle at higher volumes. It’s an artifact of many older SS amps. Tube amps and most modern Class D amps are less prone to that issue. @atmasphere talks about that all the time here if you search out his posts.

It is completely dependent on the system, room, and your tastes. I have noticed that the better my system has gotten the lower the volume sounds best to me. Typically I listen at ~ 75db. Most of the experience audiophiles with good systems have seemed to converge on this volume. My system is shown.

Your spouse will let you know, don't worry.😲

@kota1 Wrote:

Your spouse will let you know, don't worry.😲

You got that right. LOL 😁

Mike

I have a big space and the system doesn't really come alive much under 75db.

Having read somewhere that listening above this level on a regular basis can lead to hearing loss, I don't exceed it.  I have no wish to compound the damage already done by guitar amps. There's no sense of "missing out" by not cranking it louder, though. 

I do automatically turn it down when my wife wants to listen. It only makes sense to  do whatever I can to ensure she enjoys the system.