Each recording has one right volume level.

This started from a reply by mijostyn, but I wanted to create a new distinct topic since it is critical, but misunderstood.

I think most people here will be familiar with Fletcher-Munson equal loudness curves? In summary, how that applies to audio listening, is that the perceived tonal balance is heavily dependent on listening volume.

At a basic level, if you want to recreate the tonal balance of the original recording, then you need to recreate the volume of the live music, or the volume used in mixing and mastering. If you don’t, then you are not listening as intended.

One way that applies to audiophilia is when we are trying to compare components and any number of "tweaks". It is critical to maintain constant volume when making comparisons or the perceived tonal differences can swamp out any component differences, leaving a proper choice impossible, though you may blame it on a component.

A second way, which mijostyn raised, that applies to audiophilia is perhaps this concept of "flat frequency response" is flawed w.r.t. recreating a musical experience at any given volume. To the post title, "Each recording has one right volume level". What if we are not at that volume level? If we are not, then arguably we should be equalizing such that the perceived tonal balance matches closer to the tonal balance at the intended listening volume.

Enjoy the discussion and keep the mud to a minimum.

mijostyn1,269 posts11-01-2019 2:11pm Without loudness compensation each recording has one right volume level.