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What decibel level do you listen at?

poor grammer on the question, I know, but I recently downloaded the SPL Meter app for my iPhone and I am shocked by how low the volume level actually is when I listen to music.

I thought I was normally listening at high SPL levels, but I have found that at about 85 it's too loud to think (when it reads 65, you can't talk to someone else in the room). I checked it against my real SPL Meter and the readings are pretty accurate.

I thought I was listening at about 90+ dbl on average, but I have discovered it's actually about 60 to 75 db, and that actually seems loud to me. I guess I'm happy about that, but does anyone else check the Decibel level, and what's considered "Reference Level"?
macdadtexas
martykl
3,578 posts
 
For me, the relevant question is really peak spl at the listening position.  In my case, for a dedicated listening session on my main system, that would usually be 90-95 db, with average spl being lower.  That gets the blood pumping, but there's no issue of "too" loud.

OTOH, in my car, dynamic range is compressed and it feels really loud if peaks ever approach 90 db (courtesy of my iPhone spl app).  I agree with those who've noted system dependency.
rocknss
130 posts
 
Resurrecting this old post, just upgraded speakers and since I have a tendency to crank up the volume I wanted to make sure that I don't damage my hearing.

I downloaded the NIOHS Sound Level Meter app and monitor the LAeq. I was surprised to find that the level I settled in at was about 78 dB. I am sure that I will hit moods where that elevates to 85 - 90 for short term. I would say 70 is about the bottom of where I would listen on that system, if it is just background music I will probably be elsewhere in the house listening on something else.
n80
2,133 posts
 
60-70 most of the time. Up to 80- 85 sometimes. 90 for short periods for certain moods and certain songs.

Never above that. Need to hold onto the hearing I have left.

It seems ironic and sad that someone who thinks of themselves as an audiophile would listen to music at levels proven to damage hearing. 

The last rock show I went to was 115. For two hours. I had ear plugs in. Actually sounds better.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
60-80, but not above 80.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I do not listen very loud.  I would say moderate.  I do not like very loud anymore
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