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How loud is too loud

Hi. Im new to the world of audiophile and am hoping someone can help with a problem only nine months in to spending £3000  on my set up. I've got an audiolab 8200p power amp, audiolab 8300cd and monitor audio silver 8 speakers. After playing some fairly heavy house music at -10db I noticed a distinct lack in sound quality when I played music at a lower volume and now it sounds as if I've lost a whole frequency level. There is not distortion as such, it's just that music sounds quieter and less definition in the top end. I always run my system in before turning up the volume and never push it too hard for too long. Normal listening level is around -30db.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
tcapone
erik_squires
16,396 posts
 
tcapone,

If the loss of sound quality is still there at loud levels, you blew a driver. if not, you are suddenly self aware of your ear's limitations.

Tuning speakers with a smile like curve helps them sound better at low volumes. Loudness controls in older preamps / receivers was also a great benefit.

Best,

E
tcapone OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for all your insight. 

I will carry on with some sound tests and see how I get on. The shop I bought it from have said they will come out and listen to it, so hopefully they can confirm. If not then maybe I really have damaged my ear drums in some way.

To be continued......
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,805 posts
 
Maybe you damaged your hearing...
Post removed 
tomcarr
1,545 posts
 
Another vote for the over-looked RS sound level meter.
I too use mine seemingly all the time.
Typical listening: 75 dB peaks (95% of all listening)
Rockin': 85 dB peaks (when I'm gettin jiggy with it)
Brief Moments of Euphoria: 95 dB peaks (very rare)
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