How loud do you like to play your music?

This is a difficult question to answer, because it is highly dependent on the dynamic range of the music, and because it is (as Shadorne points out) also highly dependent on the quality of the recording.

It's pretty well recognized that music which is accurately recorded and reproduced will tend to be played louder than inaccurate, unrealistically reproduced, distorted music.

But even more significantly, music with wide dynamic range, such as well-recorded classical symphony orchestra, will tend to be played with the volume control set MUCH higher than for highly compressed material, such as most major popular releases. That will mean that the average volume level of the wide dynamic range material will be less than the average volume of the highly compressed material, but the peak volume of the wide dynamic range material will be MUCH higher.

A notable case in point would be the early Sheffield Labs direct-to-disk recording of Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet," conducted by Erich Leinsdorf (which is presently available remastered onto cd). I've never used an spl meter, but I would estimate that I listen to that recording with the average level in the low 70's, but with peak levels reaching around 105db (estimated based on speaker efficiency, amplifier power, and attenuation due to listening distance).

And btw, I can tell you that the 105db is not anywhere close to being as loud as the peak levels in a live performance of the same work, as listened to in the very front row at Tanglewood!

Regards,
-- Al

well ad/dc foos and stuff like that, loud 110 db at least blue nile 80. it can be quite earth shakin in my 10 x 12 room w/ 2 dna 500's monoed? with a pr of zu's so how loud depends on the amount of power i can get out wall outlet w/ a 20 amp breaker so far 141 db

What?

:)

Regards,
-- Al

Seconding Everest_Audio's comment, John Atkinson's measurements of the Usher indicate a measured sensitivity of 85db/2.83V/1m, less than their claimed 87db specification, while the Focal's are specified at 89db.

The usual confusion factor of 2.83 volts vs. 1 watt is present, but since both speakers are specified as nominally 8 ohms, and have a minimum impedance in the vicinity of 5 ohms, that is probably not significant in this comparison.

Regards,
-- Al

does any one know what osha safety levels are to prevent hearing damage ? im 38 and want to keep my ears for a while. thanks chris

Here is the OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) regulation on occupational noise exposure:

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9735

As you'll see, the answer is somewhat complex and depends on volume level, frequency, and exposure time. The specified limits are based on A-weighting, which as shown in the first figure gives greatest weight to frequencies in the 2 to 4 kHz area, de-emphasizes low frequencies greatly (which is obviously a very relevant factor when it comes to listening to music), and de-emphasizes very high frequencies somewhat.

Exposure time also very dramatically affects the maximum permissible levels.

The bottom line, based on A-weighting, would seem to be captured in this sentence:

When information indicates that any employee's exposure may equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer shall develop and implement a monitoring program.

The monitoring program is required to include annual audiometric testing of employee hearing.

Also, Table G-16 specifies maximum permissible exposures which must be adhered to, whether by means of administrative controls, hearing protectors, etc. Among other numbers, these limits include exposure to levels of 90db for 8 hours per day, and 110 db for 30 minutes per day. All based on A-weighting.

Regards,
-- Al