2. amps-preamps
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Loudness - Why has the industry stopped producing amplifiers with this feature any longer?

I listen to music at all times of the day and night (solid sleep eludes me the older I get).  My favorite times are when the family is gone and I can select the listening level, mostly moderate to higher volumes.  But the simply fact is I find myself listen at lower levels much more often then my preferred listening mode.

Piggybacking on a discussion regarding low level listening here on Audiogon, I'm posing the question:  Why has the majority of industry stopped producing amplifiers with this feature any longer?

I look forward to your input
tenbar

Showing 2 responses by tenbar

tenbar OP
3 posts
 

Thanks for the thoughts petg60 - Your logic makes sense.  I can see manufacturers cutting costs on non-essential items to remain competitive.  And, I do use the tone controls on my system without loudness.  Doesn't have the same effect but helps.


Thanks atmosphere - appreciate the detail.  I've had loudness variable type (on a McIntosh 4300V receiver) and the switch type on my current McIntosh C41, as well as many vintage Pioneer/Concept models in my youth.  It definitely colors the sound once the volume is increased.  But at low volumes I still find it adds value to the music.

tenbar OP
3 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for the responses.  It seems that of those that responded, more are not in favor of the feature.  That would support the reason why the feature has virtually disappeared from the market (exceptions were noted).

Thanks again
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