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How loud is too loud

Hi. Im new to the world of audiophile and am hoping someone can help with a problem only nine months in to spending £3000  on my set up. I've got an audiolab 8200p power amp, audiolab 8300cd and monitor audio silver 8 speakers. After playing some fairly heavy house music at -10db I noticed a distinct lack in sound quality when I played music at a lower volume and now it sounds as if I've lost a whole frequency level. There is not distortion as such, it's just that music sounds quieter and less definition in the top end. I always run my system in before turning up the volume and never push it too hard for too long. Normal listening level is around -30db.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
tcapone

Showing 4 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,780 posts
 
glupson -

I just looked at it, and YES! They seem to work exactly the same way. :) It _is_ counter intuitive.

I do often wish I had that feature.

Best,

E
erik_squires
16,780 posts
 
glupson is right.

Denon had a very cool idea though. You would turn the volume up to what you thought sounded "right" then turn the loudness down... so it would decrease in volume but by emphasizing the midrange. The effect was pretty cool. Even at very low volumes you felt like you could hear it all.
erik_squires
16,780 posts
 
Here's a calibrated microphone. You need to grab the calibration file online and move it to your phone, and not every app will use it. Audio Tools does.

https://amzn.to/2JutQI5

Best,

E
erik_squires
16,780 posts
 
tcapone,

If the loss of sound quality is still there at loud levels, you blew a driver. if not, you are suddenly self aware of your ear's limitations.

Tuning speakers with a smile like curve helps them sound better at low volumes. Loudness controls in older preamps / receivers was also a great benefit.

Best,

E
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