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Volume levels

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I find that I have to boost the volume levels more when I play records softly than when I listen to digital softly. I find that at low levels, records do not equal the intensity that low levels on digital do even if they emit the same number of decibels. I find that I’m forced to listen to analog more loudly to achieve the same measure of SQ.

How about you?

128x128rvpiano

Showing 2 responses by mulveling

mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,774 posts
 

Phono stage Sutherland 20/20

Cartridge Clearaudio Virtuoso, soon to be Maestro

If you're at the 40dB gain setting, try 46dB.

mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,774 posts
 

Though I listen at louder levels - the few times I’ve found vinyl sounding dull and lacking punch, it could usually be blamed on phono stage and (in particular) its match to your chosen cartridge.

If you’re running an MC cartridge into a budget phono stage, that can sometimes cause this problem. If your signal level hitting the MM stage (after MC stage gain) is too low, it can cause this problem, even if you try to compensate for this downstream (e.g. raising line stage volume). Switching in a good SUT or head-amp (Hagerman Piccolo, even on a budget) can often resolve these issues.

When you have good analog gear that works well together, you will find no need to get into the philosophy of dynamic range and mastering science - it will just sound good. OP - what’s your phono stage and cartridge?

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