What DB level is best for judging audio equipment?


Just wondering what everyone sees as the best level overall. I need to crank it up to at least 90 DBs to hear a discernable difference. I'm 57 and have some HF hearing loss. How loud do you turn it up??
128x128blueranger
Smartphone meters are rubbish. Most cannot register SPLs above 90db and they tend to display a level that is 5 -10db lower than actual c-weighted SPL. The problem is you cannot judge the accuracy of your smartphone mic and app without referencing a professional, calibrated SPL meter.

As for what level is best, it all depends on your listening habits. Better to ask what sort of gear works better at lower or higher levels. All else being equal, higher sensitivity speakers will sound more dynamic at lower levels than will low- sensitivity speakers. 

  
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Most of my enjoyment (by myslf) comes at a level of 70 to 80db per Radio Shack SPL meter. Some (friends over) comes at 90 to 100 depending on the amount of liquid encouragement and we just love rock concert videos. Try it.........you'll like it. Lol.
You're 57 with hearing loss?

I hope you you don't have extended listening sessions at that level.

I'm the same age with hearing loss AND tinnitus.

It's tough to NOT crank up great music, but your ears will thank you for not doing so.