2. analog
  3. 192421-90040

Analog invites you to turn up the volume

I've been listening to a lot of streaming digital lately and really enjoying it. The sound is nice, music selection is outstanding and sure can't beat the convenience. It has almost overtaken my listening sessions but last night I decided to fire up the turntable. I noticed myself turning the volume up and just rocking out at the level I thought was most satisfying. I was kind of startled to see how high I'd set the volume and when I checked the Db meter, it was 5 to 8 Db louder than when I listen to digital. I asked myself why I don't listen to digital at the same volume and I really couldn't come up with an answer because I certainly can. I just don't care to. 

tcutter

Showing 2 responses by richardbrand

richardbrand's avatar
richardbrand
548 posts
 

As a general rule, music always sounds better at higher volume.  That's why level-matching is vital for audio comparisons.

We are also very sensitive to distortion.  If we don't have to consider others, we tend to turn up the volume to the point where distortion is no longer acceptable.

I suspect very few reach the volume of most live music!

richardbrand's avatar
richardbrand
548 posts
 

@lalitk 

That is exactly what I was trying to get across!

The noise floor argument surely favours digital, and especially high-resolution including DSD?  Wish I could get the noise floor of my house down to match.

My partner keeps telling me I am playing too loud, but she is happy to listen to any trumpeter or tenor at full blast, and they are much louder

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