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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?

128x128baclagg

Showing 2 responses by russ69

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 

What scale are you on?

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 

80db will present very differently depending on....

Measurement of loudspeakers output can be very difficult if you are looking for accurate numbers. In a live home environment, you are taking a measurement, but the reality is you don't know what you are measuring. Are you on axis with the active driver, are you measuring a reflection, are you in a null point or crossover point, etc? Too many variables to use those numbers. 

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