Sensitivity and pressure level explains the speaker having different SPL levels at a certain distance but it doesn't explain why the OP sitting in his chair using an SPL meter plays one speaker at 80dB which is comfortable and the other is at 70dB. Which is why the only explanation I can think of is his perception of the speakers which might be due to different frequency responses.
Are all dBs created equal?
I recently purchased new speakers and I have run into something interesting. With my old speakers I listened at 80 dB average and it was comfortable. At 80 dB average with the new speakers it seems much louder and I have to turn it down to 70-72 dB to get to my comfort zone. Why would 80 dBs sound so much louder with the new speakers? FYI, the new speakers are presenting more detail and refinement. The sound stage is better in every way. What gives?
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@djones51 You are correct. Usually I see this with elevated treble or bass response. Dali and Dynaudio sometimes exhibit this. Some of their models are definitely better for low volume listening. |
Simple, the frequency response of the two speakers is different. The new speakers are brighter and our ears are most sensitive at 3000 Hz. If I EQ 3000 Hz up everyone's tendency is going to be to turn the volume down. This says nothing about how the OP is measuring dB. He would have to be doing it with a meter. If he is relying on a scale say on his preamp he is making a big mistake in trying to relate both speakers as there will be differences in efficiency. If I take any system and boost the high end people will initially gravitate towards the brighter sound even though it is not accurate. Same is true of bass. You can't realize that the music is a caricature of reality until you pay close attention to the imaging. It is highly unusual to have cymbals right in front of your face with the rest of the band in the distance on stage. |
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