2. amps-preamps
  3. 157586-133272

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
Ag insider logo xs@2xtenbar
vars
6 posts
 
I use the loudness on a McIntosh tube tuner, for me it gives the music depth and body, fills out the sound, something is missing without it. 
mwinkc
369 posts
 
There are some preamps out there with bass & treble adjustments on the remote. Emotiva makes one.
My old Luxman preamp had both a loudness button and bass & treble controls.
I end up doing a lot of low-volume listening with my Maggies....not a good combination...but bass & treble controls make it enjoyable. 
Have you considered a Schitt Loki equalizer?
https://www.schiit.com/products/loki
vwfan53's avatar
vwfan53
7 posts
 
I have always been a huge fan of the Loudness Switch for the reason the OP describes. I find a way to incorporate or replicate in all my systems.

Below are my solutions to add "Loudness" capability to my multiple systems:

  • System 1: 70’s Vintage Technics Rig w/Reel-to-Reel with "Tape Loops" (x2) and NO factory Loudness switch, oddly = I run an external Technics Parametric EQ via the tape loop "Set to replicate the Fletcher-Munson curve and correct for my room". When I want this enabled, I flip the switch to monitor Tape 2 where it resides. :-)

  • System 2: McIntosh C52 based. I purposely sought out this Pre-Amp because of its EQ, which toggles on/off via front switch. Like above, I replicate the F-M Curve and a hint of Room Correction. I purposely bought this Pre-amp for this explicit purpose and late night listening.

  • System 3: Schitt Loki EQ. Just like above, I use this in my Office system with powered monitors to emulate the Loudness curve.

  • System 4: Computer - Amarra and/or iTunes. I just do it in Software. iTunes actually has a per-programmed "Loudness" setting.


Call me old school, but give me this (eq) functionality/capability over using e$oteric cables ’for tone control’ any day. If I want brighter, darker, or tighter sound, I turn a few knobs to my liking.  If a recording sucks and FLAT isn't cutting it, turn a few knobs.  :-)

Bring back the "Tape Loop"!!!!
yakbob
478 posts
 
You could try one of these. It also has a defeat switch for when your audiophile friends visit:

http://www.deliciousdecibels.com/the-delicious-one.html
lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
687 posts
 
Mitsubishi used a variable loudness knob on several of their receivers too, I always liked that feature over the loudness switch.  If you got a loudness button or dial, you end up using it.  For many more years than not, I don’t have loudness & I don’t miss it either.
More to discover