When I want to evaluate a system, including when critically listening to my own, I like relatively low volumes. If a system can move me with range, speed and detail at lower levels, I feel it is working well for my tastes. Once in a while, I will crank up one piece or another when I am in the mood, and yes that also gives me some information about the quality of the system’s sound. But I don’t think loudness should be necessary for most music, if the system is solid. Besides, I have hearing loss as it is, and I want to keep what I have left so I can keep enjoying it.
Does It have to be loud?
Are you also under the impression that when people (or
manufacturers) demo their equipment, they maintain sound pressure levels
between 90-100 Dba. In general this is done in rooms being too small, and
therefore the room will heavily interact with the sound heard in that room.
Often, when you ask to lower the volume, the actual result is better, and –most
likely- provides you with the information you were looking for. So, my question here is, do you also prefer
to listen in the 90-100 dba range? Or do you –like myself- like to listen in
the 70-90 dba sound pressure range? Of course, I’m referring to sound pressure
levels at the listening position, which –in my case- is about 4 meter away from
the speaker.