I’m in that same 75 to 80dB range, testing with dB meter on my iPhone.
I've noticed that as I've grown older, I don't appreciate loud music any longer.
I've noticed that as I've grown older, I don't appreciate loud music any longer.
80db C weighted is pretty loud for me, I have the headroom to play much louder, depending on the recording, but rarely do so; in fact, much of my listening is done at even lower levels. But it takes some gain to energize the room, which is large. I worked pretty hard to get the "noise floor" low so that there is very little ambient noise from the system or room itself. Ambient noise of room averages a little over 30db- I could get it quieter by blocking the windows with heavier sound proofing material but don't usually bother with that. |
If you’re using a headphone amplifier + headphones or an amp with speakers, there will be some variations in loudness between songs from different Artists. Ideally, 60 db to 70 db is safe for several hours of listening. If you get listening fatigue and/or a headache in the first 5-10 minutes, you’re doing something wrong. The only time you should listen a bit louder is when you are mixing/mastering something. Even then, for a short time - to ensure you can detect errors in the sound and fix them. |
I listen at a very satisfyingly loud level most of the time. Sometimes a little to the low side of that. With the way the system is now I find when it is cranked up real loud instead of sounding real loud it sounds thrilling exhilarating loud. I mean like tingles your berries loud. Like the first time you go to a rock concert and it is not just loud but dynamically crystal clear Supertramp loud. Like that. I have the Radio Shack SPL meter, the old school analog one you can set to read fast or slow average, and different weightings. Had it since like the 1990's. I got it out just now to check and sure enough I was right- satisfying, exhilarating, Supertramp- none of those are on there. Stupid meter. |
Never checked till now. Downloaded the app while listening to Stormwatch/Tull album on a Bose Mini II Soundlink located 8 feet away. Gage read 69db average. Higher than I would have guessed. My wife seems to usually come in to the main stereo room and say, "That sounds freakin; awesome. Turn it up!!" Damn hippie relics, never wanna quit. :>) |
Well, it depends on what I’m listening to. I listen to a lot of classical music, so the dynamic range and ‘loudness’ fluctuates quite a bit. But, one thing I’ve learned is to play music loud enough to be realistic to any particular music’s performance, (as in, how loud would it be ‘live’), not quieter, not louder. I live alone, so can crank it without issue. What bothers me is playing any music unrealistically loud, or quiet. All that said, I think I average at about 75-85 db, depending. |
Finally, someone gets it. How loud can you go? Mine goes to 11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xgx4k83zzc |
Usually in the mid/low 70's as understandable conversation can take place while the music is playing. However, when I have a migraine I sometimes listen @ much louder levels when laying down on the sofa with the lights out. Being in bed/dark quiet room with a migraine is the stupidest advice I've yet received from experts in the field as a distraction works wonders/sans major pain killers. My distraction is music, which is often Motzart and/or The Who's Quadrophenia. DeKay |
I'm glad this came up. I also had way too much fun with concerts and race cars when younger, so some tinnitus is definitely a reality. For kicks this past weekend I downloaded the free NIOSH sound level app and turned it on with zero effort to calibrate or likely even point mic properly. Bottom line is a good Saturday night jam session averaged 65-72db with 1-2 occasional peaks more like 78-80. Curious if anyone has consulted physicians about this topic.....my early google info says those numbers shouldn't do much harm but come Sunday I'm not sure I agree. |
50 to 65 ---which is really quiet compared to most! But doesn't it depend on the ambient noise in the room? E.g., I most likely listen louder in the car because the noise floor is much higher (but honestly I've never measured the sound level while driving :-)). The ambient noise level in my room is around 25-30 according to my phone...my handheld meter shows 30-31 (but that is because it doesn't go below 30). Above 30 my phone and handheld meter agree within 1-2 dbl so I'm inclined to believe they are both reasonably accurate. |
Depends on mood and material.... whisper soft sessions (20-30dB average volume) in the late night / early hours are my favorite. I do get up at 3-4AM from time to time for these sessions. During daytime, about 50dB average volumes on the average for the past 20 years.My system now allows to rock out yours truly. Mahler symphonies with 110dB peaks, or Prodigy and modern electronic music at volume where the air and reality seems to melt and your body feels as if about to go into shock (about 100dB sustained with 120+dB peaks). And include the subsonic region at that, in my room it's strong down to 14Hz, but there is action down to 11Hz. This is beyond addictive. I never had a chemical addiction, but electronic music like this is beyond addictive, I am SOOOO glad I did not have this sound when I was younger, would have been hopelessly addicted and wasted. Nowdays, I like to go through a couple hours of sessions like that, maybe twice a week, and then abstain for a week or two or three. Curiously, it does not hurt the ears, and no ringing next day. The distortion is vanishingly low, the ears do not signal that it's too much. However the subsonic bass takes a very high toll on the body, it feels next day as if I was in a car crash. (Audio Heavens bless my good neighbors... ; ) |