Why magic at 80 db?

What wonderful comments to my question. Thanks guys.

Durbin, my previous speakers were Salk HT1s. They had a Seas Excel magnesium midrange.

Thinking back, I did prefer the 80-85 db range on them too, but the difference wasn’t as pronounced. If I had to guess the I would say that I was not only listening to the musical instruments, I was also listening to slight colorations in the sound at lower levels that made the music more interesting down there. That is just a WAG at a solution that is not given with any conviction.

I have heard that said about Quads before. I wonder if they can play cleanly at 80 db without any distress since shorter transients are probably much louder.

Bob

Audiofankj,

That was an interesting comment that it might be my amp. I have a McCormak 225. I will keep your possibility in mind.

Mezmo,

I find your comment most interesting of all. One clue that the mastering level might be a key point is that when I listen to a classical orchestra at 80-85 then the passages that are much softer still sound pretty special too.

Bob

Rodman99999,

The speakers have been on almost 24/7 for a year. :D

Bob

Bob,
This is an interesting topic. I beieve it`s a combination of components and software. Some Cds sound very vivid,energetic and alive at 60-65db levels in my system. Other s require a sound level of upper 70s-85 to provide the same effect.

I`ve notice since the noise floor and resolution of my current system has improved considerably, I can listen at levels much lower and avoid the flat and lifeless character of prior systems. Conversely when I do choose to play louder volumes(85-upper 90s range) the presentation is unforced and maintains a sense of ease and relaxation.

I believe high efficiency speakers and low noise floor electronics make a hugh difference as far as preserving dynamics and involvement at lower listening levels.
Best Regards,

...because we hear with our whole bodies, not just our ears. There are many deaf musicians that keep time and "hear"...they being more sensitive to this effect, however, we all have that ability to some degree. At rock concerts there are those that protect their ears with plugs, but still feel that pounding in their chest with which rock music must have.