yeah, I noticed that too on just about every system I have put together. I think it is a major challenge to put together a system that really comes to life at DB less than 80. So between 80 to 85 is where I mainly listen. From a hearing protection standpoint, am I still at safe levels?
Why magic at 80 db?
I have Salk SoundScape speakers that have an Accuton midrange driver. When I listen to music at moderate levels, the music sounds plain. There is little that would make me think that I was listening to a great speaker. When I turn the music up till it reads 80 to 85 db on my Rat Shack meter, magic happens. I guess it is like that with live music, but I am not sure. I never take my meter with me. I am just confused. Anybody have any comments?
Bob
Bob
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- 38 posts total
Looking back at my post above, occurs to me that I may have stumbled into an old chicken and egg conundrum: do things sound best at just above 80db because they were mastered at that level to sound their best, or are things mastered at 80db because that's just inherently where things sound their best to the human ear over a prolonged period? Dunno, but I suspect ultimately a mix of both. But, either way, seems like a known factor. |
To support Mezmo's observation: (http://www.digido.com/honor-roll.html) Also- some systems take more power, before they, "come alive" than others. How many hours do have on your speakers(are they a recent acquisition)? Most driver compliances take time to break in/loosen up, before they sound their best and most dynamic. |
So between 80 to 85 is where I mainly listen. From a hearing protection standpoint, am I still at safe levels? According to this -- the first plausible link from a google search -- yes: http://www.hearnet.com/at_risk/risk_aboutloss.shtml Personally, I'd have guessed no; 85db seems pretty loud to me, and I'd fatigue pretty quickly at that level. I'd be curious to hear what more expert people say. John |
- 38 posts total