Volume levels

First, the ability to compress volume but not dynamic contrasts is somewhat dependent on one’s audio system. My Von Schweikert VR9 SE mk2 speakers and my higher end equipment in a superior listening room permit me to achieve great dynamic contrasts at various volume settings.

Second, it’s not true, Digital has the capability of superior dynamic contrasts to LPs. This is generally not implemented in pop, rock and often classical CDs/digital recordings/re-mastering. My EAR 912 pre-amp has meters which indicate dynamic contrasts. So often I’m listening to rock or an orchestra and the meters only move up to -15 or -10 db, mostly at -20db. The majority of my jazz CDs move the meters quickly up and down to near -0db. Same with LPs wherein certain labels have great dynamics and others are bland and move very little.  It's not just a matter of compression but also recording techniques.  

Third, I agree that different types of music and recordings should be heard at least at a particular volume setting. I have the ability to listen to music very loud yet still composed and low in distortion (those speakers-wow)!. I can relax with Mozart piano music at relatively low levels yet don’t want to hear the Fireballs or Takeshi Eerauchi and the Bunnys at less than loud volume.

@rvpiano if you’re using XLR out with your benchmark dac, the gain is adjustable using jumpers inside the dac. I liked mine set to -10db, the 0db was a bit much. And even with 10db attenuation the DAC was louder than my Sutherland 20/20  Hana ML combo. 

As a side nite… sold my analog front end not too long ago. Got tired of constantly comparing analog and digital, listening for differences instead of focusing on the music. Great LPs sounded great though! But it was a constant race between analog and digital with upgrades for both front ends. There was no winning that battle. Decided to focus on digital at least for time being. So far no regrets. 
 

+1 @audphile1 

I did the same a few years ago.  I then decided to buy a direct drive turntable, because I had always lusted after one back in the day and it was a bucket list thing.

I’ve limited my lp purchases to vintage lps that were never issued digitally or are not currently available.  I listen to Classical Music exclusively and so most of these are Nonesuch or Vox/Turnabout labels.  One nice benefit of buying digitally unavailable recordings is that I am not tempted to waste time comparing digital vs analog.  I only have about 15 lps at present, as I am not looking to build a big catalog here in what should be my downsizing days.

  The Direct Drive table is great for fixing speed instability, and while it won’t approach digital for absence of background noise, it is awfully quiet.  And I am again enjoying a few favorite artists from my past, such as the pioneering conductor Karl Ristenpart.

  One of the regular posters in the analog forum here criticized me for seeking a “digital sound” in turntables.  To which I replied “Bring it on”.

@audphile1 @mahler123 

i hear you!!

I feel the same way, constantly comparing analog to digital.  It’s a no win situation.  But I have a big investment in analog and I’m really fascinated by it.  The problem is, only the best records really are competitive with digital.  Very frustrating and discouraging.  Those old Nonesuch and Turnabout Ristenpart LP’s are wonderful.

I don’t have an XLR connection so I can’t try that suggestion.

@bigtwin 

I agree for the most part. Listening at the right level is definitely the best approach. As my system has improved, my ability to hit that level and not be fatigued at all has been one of the greatest achievements I’ve had in this hobby. 

However, sometimes, I have to drop the decibels (for work, for family etc.) and I still enjoy listening. Of course, I can’t wait to have a chance to turn it up another time.