Why magic at 80 db?

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.

I live next door to Bob and I really wish he'd turn his damn speakers off. They've been on 24/7 for almost a year!

Doesn't the listening level depend on your mood, the type of music, the time of day, the ambient sound level in the room (cat snoring, young starlets calling my name from the hot tub outside), and humidity? (I tossed that one in). I have one of those Studio Six iPhone SPL meters (they claim it's WAY better than the Shack meter...but then why wouldn't they?) and it's almost interesting to see what playback level I need. I discovered I'm all over the map, my speakers sound great at low levels (surprisingly), and I still practice electric guitar a bit too loudly (albeit with a 5/15 watt tube amp...so sue me...my "Bob" revenge).