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 3 responses by sns

@dain +1 on jjss49. I suspect what you heard was superior micro dynamics of horn system at low volumes. Extreme high efficiency of many horns makes them come alive at much lower volumes with extremely low power amps. Amps in sweet zone at amazingly low wattage, and easily moved diaphragms at this same amazingly low wattage in horn drivers are reason for this. My Klipschorns and SET amps excel by leaps and bounds over my acoustic suspension speakers with same amps, in this regard.

Ambient noise levels have much impact on volume level needed for satisfying listening. Late night listening sessions, when external noise lower contributes nicely. Think about ambient noise levels at 50-60db in daytime vs. late night when I can reach down into 20's on good night, typically lower 30's, think how this 20-40db difference impacts dynamics, especially the micro! Micro dynamics give life to the performers, macro less important to this once a certain volume reached.

Higher ambient noise levels mask micro dynamics, hearing the full measure of micro dynamics contained within a recording is what makes the music come alive and creates engagement. 20db differences in ambient noise levels, lets say from daytime to quiet night,  within any particular room will greatly affect satisfactory macro dynamic or volume level of system. If one wants to have satisfactory low volume level listening, lower that ambient noise level!

 

Certainly, the type of music played also has bearing on this. Classical recordings with their generally higher levels of dynamic expression will be more problematic in the noisy environment, rock far less.

 

I tend to agree that high efficiency speakers and tubes perform better at low level volumes. Tubes, especially directly heated triodes I've found to have greater micro dynamic expression at low volume levels vs push pull and SS. High efficiency speakers, especially horns, expose the full potential of tubes in this area.