2. misc-audio
  3. 178298-144057

Turn down the Volume!

One topic that seems rarely discussed is volume. If you listen to mixing engineers, it’s their most feared aspect of how their work is measured, since it’s out of their control. This leads to things like loudness wars (assume the worst). As my system has improved, my main takeaway is I can be engaged with 60db peaks, where when I hear other systems you often have to turn it up to 90db peaks for it to sound decent. I’m pretty sure it all has to do with bass and room energy, but wonder if others have a similar experience. Side note that reviews or any subjective ‘better’ statements about gear rarely indicate how loud they are listening. since all we can perceive if volume it is puzzling. I will say if it sounds good with 110 db peaks then that is impressive. 

dain

Showing 1 response by desktopguy

desktopguy
337 posts
 

Even in my twenties I didn't like to have a stereo be so loud you couldn't hear someone else speak. All those decades later, I can't handle loud volume, period. 

Re this: "To me, one of the most important subjective measure of a system is how it sounds at low volume."

@larryi, how right you are! I've listened to low volume music while working in home office for 25+ years. I've had a number of systems over that time. I found that sealed/acoustic suspension designs + a subwoofer play better at low volume than ported designs. Never heard horns, ribbons, or other high efficiency designs, so can't comment on those.

At least in my home office, I get terrific low volume sound from either the ATC SCM 12 Pros or the vintage KEF 103.2s. And with either pair of speakers, on those occasions when I feel like cranking it, the walls shake.

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