Audio Research reference amplifiers used with RCA IC`s and unbalanced preamplifiers

Whoops just saw the preamps we not balanced.  Never mind.

ghdprentice

yes just peaks at 85db . If the music goes to continuous spl over 80 db I turn it down to 80db or less. I am aiming for the system to sound best at 70db -80db.

Thats one of the important points about getting better gear. To be able to listen at a lower spl level and achieve maximum enjoyment .  

@ghdprentice ​​​​@nsp I too aim at sub 80 dB sound levels, but my ‘shots’ seem to drift up a bit. It just sounds better with a bit more oomph. Then too, I may be a bit deaf as well. A condition likely exacerbated by the very same SPLs. Good thing that I have only myself to please.

Edit: I turn it down (or up) at 90 dB; that is, if it is playing over 90 dB it is a temporary condition because I want that track to shake walls. And I want my system capable of such performance, if I ask for it. 

I pulled out my sound meter right after my last post. I think the average was 66db  with peaks to 71db. It was at a completely satisfying level. I found the better my system got the less the need was for volume. 

I did the same.  My listening levels average 80 db with peaks in the low 90's.  It's tough getting old.