Listening volume

Classical music has so much more dynamic range than rock you listen at a lower overall volume as a rule.

Some speakers sound better at higher volume. However, it depends on the music listened to. I play it loud, but not head banging so, and I restrict these session usually to the mid afternoon when older people and babies are in REM sleep to the power of 10

I could not imagine listening to WHO'S NEXT, YES GRATEFUL DEAD,ETC, ETC at moderate volume. Classic rock was written to play loud, its dynamics are part of its power, emotion, and craft

The 18th and 19th "symphony" format evolved out of engaging more of the audience's attention with acoustic power and dynamics. I can't imagine Beethoven's Ninth being played at lower volume.

Amplification in this venue was accomplished by hall acoustics, increasing the number of players, and segmenting players in divisions of their musical expertise. The words symphonic and orchestral convey a sense of organic unity larger than its individual parts

Obviously for rock, this is done by electrical and digital means, so a 6 member band can sound like the roaring power of Niagara Falls, even in a large venue.

"02-06-14: Mapman
ZD,

Perhaps, but I think it is also true that realistic volume
levels suits music best. It is not so hard to get a system
to play well at low volume for less cost. Playing loud
well does not come as easy,especially in larger rooms, and
will usually involve some additional cost."

Sorry I wasn't clear. I just meant to add my comment to the list. I didn't mean to suggest other comments were not valid. Everyone here is making excellent points.

Difference between loud and dynamic range, Rock is louder ,Symphonic music has more range between softest and loudest parts.

Every recording ever made has a certain volume where it sounds optimum . Finding it is another matter .

I don't listen at the same volume all the time, and am surprised if anybody else does. What are you people...robots? heh heh...Certain recordings sound better than others when louder...recording a piano with a brighter mic or mix sounds fine at times, other times annoying if too loud. Monk...nice...sax jumps in...different. Smoother overall mixes can more readily be cranked up a bit, regardless of musical genre. And if you're utterly drunk, you do have to turn it up quite a bit.