Does It have to be loud?

Since our ears and brain interprete distortion as loudness most audiophiles think they have speakers that play extremely loud however a dB meter will confirm to them that what they think is loud is actually just huge amounts of distortion giving the appearance of loudness.

Hi @shadorne

I appreciate your response to my question earlier in the thread. I’ll grant you that, unfortunately, sound stage does not seem to test above 95db. In the case of my particular speakers (Golden Ear T Ref), I consider the fact that they are a few db’s off "perfect" linearity, and even then over a small range of high frequency, essentially linear where the ability to play loud without distortion is concerned. On the basis of their sensitivity and power handling capability, they can produce over 115 db. And, I have reason to believe they could do so without damaging themselves in the process.

I certainly do agree with you that distortion increases as volume increases. But I think I’ve attended enough live events to know that - at least in my particular case - my system is more than capable of producing realistic rock concert level sound pressure, with (seemingly) no more distortion than the live event itself would produce. So, the fact that distortion increases with volume (generally speaking) is what it is, and IMO is largely irrelevant to the enjoyment of the listening session (unless the distortion is such that it becomes obvious).

To your point I’ve quoted above, I’ll disagree. Distortion doesn’t necessarily give the appearance of loudness. Distortion sounds "wrong" whereas loud and relatively undistorted music can sound authentic (and "right"), like a live event.

A db meter is used to confirm sound pressure level, not the "quality" of the sound. The db meter doesn’t care if the sound is distorted or not. Sound pressure is just that; sound pressure. So, whether or not the SPL is reading distortion or genuinely loud and un-distorted sound shouldn’t matter (from the perspective of the listener perceiving the sound as loud or soft).

EDIT:

Besides the fact that I do have an SPL meter, there are numerous charts available that provide insight as to sound pressure level. Here is one of many: https://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/decibel-level-chart.pdf It is based on my SPL meter and general understanding that if a subway train at 200 feet is 95 db, my apartment at times can sound as though the train is 50 feet away :)

I’d opine the whole phenomenon of distortion increasing with volume is more mysterious than anyone gives it credit for. There is no reason why distortion should increase since for all intent and purposes the SNR remains the same as the volume is turned up. Obviously driving the system behind it’s capability, for example clipping, is not what I’m referring to. Amplifiers and speakers are linear devices so there is no reason why distortion should rise with volume. Yet all systems exhibit this phenomenon. That’s why people complain of fatigue and harshness at higher than moderate volume. But it’s not the speakers and it’s not the electronics. It’s something else. Something very mysterious. 😳

@gdhal

Since you have a dB SPL meter it is a very simple matter to check your own speakers.

Keep cranking it until you get the meter reflecting sustained levels at 115 db SPL. If it sounds clear and clean and undistorted (but obviously very loud) then you can be assured the speakers are fully capable.

A great test track is the Sheffield labs drum track CD with track 1 - this is quite a good workout for a speaker as it is highly dynamic and also broad in frequency response (bass as well as mid range and tweeter are all heavily used).

I would suggest that you use a simple formula to estimate if your speakers are producing a combined at 115 db SPL at 1 meter. At your listening position the SPL meter should read 112 db SPL at 2 meters from speakers and 109 db SPL at 4 meters back. Since sound is dynamic you can expect the meter to only stay at such a sustained high level during drum rolls for a couple of seconds.

Of course you should never listen at these levels on a continous basis.

@geoffkait 

Nothing mysterious - all speakers distort terribly and very quickly. This is why pro monitoring gear used as main monitors in high end studios is so very expensive. This is why PA speakers in your local bar go loud but sound awful. Getting loud clean distortion free sound is a significant engineering hurdle and a costly manufacturing effort too. The diminishing returns are incredible - each extra 3 db in distortion free loudness capability pretty much DOUBLES your costs.

Keep cranking it until you get the meter reflecting sustained levels at 115 db SPL. If it sounds clear and clean and undistorted (but obviously very loud) then you can be assured the speakers are fully capable.

I’ll pass on that :)

What I stated is that on the basis of my speakers rated (manufacturer specs) sensitivity and power handling capability, they can produce over 115 db. Besides, even if my speakers cannot attain that decibel level, I would still consider them "fully capable" because that level is a bit unrealistic.

Additionally, I live in a coop. I do make an attempt to show some respect towards others. My neighbors already endure the fact that most of time (I listen 3 hours per day) I listen to Grateful Dead, which sounds realistic from a live concert perspective topping off around 95 db, often even lower. On lessor occasions I’ll listen to Nirvana, AC/DC, Deep Purple and a hand full of other select choices that "warrant" playing at louder (compared to many other bands) levels. Even in those cases I’ll top out in the low 100s.

EDIT:

And if I'm not mistaken, 115 db is "dangerous to the health of ones ears" if sustained for an undo length of time.