Ambient noise levels have much impact on volume level needed for satisfying listening. Late night listening sessions, when external noise lower contributes nicely. Think about ambient noise levels at 50-60db in daytime vs. late night when I can reach down into 20's on good night, typically lower 30's, think how this 20-40db difference impacts dynamics, especially the micro! Micro dynamics give life to the performers, macro less important to this once a certain volume reached.
Turn down the Volume!
One topic that seems rarely discussed is volume. If you listen to mixing engineers, it’s their most feared aspect of how their work is measured, since it’s out of their control. This leads to things like loudness wars (assume the worst). As my system has improved, my main takeaway is I can be engaged with 60db peaks, where when I hear other systems you often have to turn it up to 90db peaks for it to sound decent. I’m pretty sure it all has to do with bass and room energy, but wonder if others have a similar experience. Side note that reviews or any subjective ‘better’ statements about gear rarely indicate how loud they are listening. since all we can perceive if volume it is puzzling. I will say if it sounds good with 110 db peaks then that is impressive.
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- 87 posts total
Ah…. Would be so great to live in an area where the ambient db level is as low as the 20’s. Lowest we get in in the mid to low 40’s (would have to build a dedicated listening room to get that kind of ambient control where we live). As @sns points out, that can really make a difference in micro detail/dynamics. Had the pleaser of listening to a room systems with that benefit and it’s astonishing how little you need to drive the music. But ultimately depends on how the music is performed and recorded. |
- 87 posts total