Music volume? What about your sound level?

I have a RadioShack SPL meter also.

Average SPL measurements at my listening position, 12 feet back from the center of the speakers is;
Enjoyable but loud listening levels: 93 to 96 db
If I turn it up (exceptionally loud): 105 to 108 db

These are average levels, without clipping and, as far as I can tell, without any audible distortion. Peaks are typically 10 db higher.

Note: I never listen continuously at an average of 105 to 108 db as it is uncomfortably loud and ears will ring afterwards.

I just try to get to "realistic" volume levels. That is what I would imagine the singer and/or instruments would sound like from my imaginary seating position. My favourite seat is about 50' from the stage which is much more than my real seat from the speakers. When I do go to concerts, it all seems like nonsense through their amplifiers. It's ridiculous for studio recordings but leave me to my perceptions.

When I used b&w's I used to listen at much higher levels than I currently listen with my JmLabs. When listening to Pop and rock I usually listen between 75-85 db currently. However before I used to usually listen around 85-90 db...I guess that is what it took to make me feel like I was getting a good soundstage with the b&w's.

However, sometimes when listening to a great classical symphony before and now with my JmLabs, I let the volume get the best of me. I usually listen to orchestral peaks around 100-103 db. There is something about the power of an orchestra that makes me do this...plus when you are in front of an orchestra or in a rehearsal hall, these are about the spl's of the ensemble anyway. In rehearsal for the Austin Lyric Opera, I have seen/heard/experienced bass drum hits around 107 db, as well as cymbals crashing around 110 db. Plus there is nothing really as great as listing to a good brass section, especially when you can image out the insturments!

Good time, great hobby!

Peace,
Ben

when im just listening normally its about 90db or so but when i get the bug i max the meter out,anybody have an idea where to get a spl meter that goes higher than 130?

Bigjoe, you will damage your ears! Wow!