The frequency response of our ears changes with volume. Every recording has a volume it sounds best at. If you push a recording that was mixed at lower volumes it will get bright and harsh. If you play a recording mixed at high volumes at low levels it will sound dull and bass-less. I will play the record at the volume it sounds "right" at.
You NEVER want your ears to ring. Ringing indicates damage. Our ears accommodate to loud sounds but the reflex is slow which is why impulse noises like gun shots are so bad for our ears. If you are going to listen loud it is important to warm your ears up by starting at a lower volume and raising it in increments over a five to 10 minute period. I'll listen to some recordings at 95 dB. Higher than that is risky.
You NEVER want your ears to ring. Ringing indicates damage. Our ears accommodate to loud sounds but the reflex is slow which is why impulse noises like gun shots are so bad for our ears. If you are going to listen loud it is important to warm your ears up by starting at a lower volume and raising it in increments over a five to 10 minute period. I'll listen to some recordings at 95 dB. Higher than that is risky.