Does It have to be loud?

Elizabeth,

In those days (80’s), I would drool over SAE amps driving large Infinity speakers!

That was an awesome system you had back then even by today’s standard - what happened? Where did you go wrong? How can you say you prefer headphones over your own main system?

I can’t say what dB level I consider to be loud, but I am pretty sure it would not exceed 90 dB. 

A lot lot of my listening is done after the kids are in bed and with a small house loud volumes are not an option. 

One thing that that I have really enjoyed with my new Pathos Classic One mkiii over my previous Yaqin MC-30L or even my Integra 50.1 (with a subwoofer) is the low volume level dynamics. The realism of a kick drum or tympani is fantastic even at low levels with an excellent recording. It’s great at higher volumes as well, of course. 

I'm actually surprised how many people admit listening at levels up to 100 or more dba at the listening position. I'm not sure how they measure, but believe me, most speakers won't even go that loud, or if they do, they will distort tremendously, unless the room is very big, or very well acoustically treated, room interaction will spoil the listening experience. Or do we all own huge horn systems, known for their ability to play very loud...or is it more like those car owners, bragging about how fast their cars go? But, on the other hand, for all those who regularly listen way above 100 dba levels, please enjoy the music as you like it...in the end that's what counts I believe. For me that's between 70-90 dba at the listening position, measured with an Extech SPL meter, for others it's between 90-110 dba...(and soon someone will indicate levels of 100-130 dba ;)

@han_n 

Audiogon is for audiophiles that supposedly seek high fidelity. Part of realistic sound reproduction is clear clean dynamic range that equates to real instruments and real live music. SPL is part of what is real about musical instruments.

I am actually surprised how many people here admit to having no real interest in high fidelity. They happily prefer a form of sound reproduction only modestly above that of a good radio in sound level.

I'm not sure how they measure, but believe me, most speakers won't even go that loud, or if they do, they will distort tremendously, unless the room is very big, or very well acoustically treated, room interaction will spoil the listening experience.

"I'm not sure how they measure"

with a SPL meter and numerous SPL charts available on the Internet that serve as a frame of reference. 

"but believe me, most speakers won't even go that loud"

Totally and utterly false. There is such a thing as manufacturer specs that can be used to derive the information. That would be in addition to user testimonials by folks like myself that use meters, and have stood next to jack hammers once or twice in their lives. Note I'm speaking of as much as 110db, not 120. 

"or if they do, they will distort tremendously"

Depends on the characteristics of the music being played. The distortion - if any is in fact really audible - is at the higher frequencies. 

"unless the room is very big, or very well acoustically treated, room interaction will spoil the listening experience"

The venue is always part of the equation and overall presentation of the music. Same for live acts. 

So I suppose I'm among those folks who have surprised you, because my system can effortless go to 100db and sound fantastic doing it.

I'm always (practically, not at 2AM in the morning) ready to demo my system to any doubting thomases. I'm in zip 11520. Just PM and we can get the party started. :)