What decibel level do you listen at? What is ideal?

@larsman you should get an actual db meter.  There's almost no way you're actually listening that low.  Your app is probably messed up unless you like library volume level soft rock

@jonwolfpell I agree that listening loud with certain genres is a must (rock, edm) but I find on my systems, around 85 db is plenty loud before your ears start compressing

@isellgoodgear this would make sense if you're staying within the same genre and time period.  Otherwise the LUFS and overall loudness can vary wildly from track to track.  Or you're using loudness normalization which destroys streamed music dynamics.  Not sure how you keep your volume at the same level??

I listen usually 75-82 db and find that will get me the full content of the music.  As an audio engineer, my ears are my job and life so I don't monitor at 85 db like I used to.  It used to be the standard but now they're saying prolonged exposure of 80+ db can be bad for your ears.  For those that like to rock, I salute you, and recommend taking breaks and get hearing tests regularly!!

@livinon2wheels highly recommend you use plus while playing your trombone.  Cheaper solutions would be Loops or Earasers.  But if you're a serious musician go get some mid ear plugs from an audiologist.  Don't mess around with your ears!

@jonwolfpell  agreed, Pass designs like my XA30.8 are totally sufficient at lower wattages even for higher spl listening.  I also have subs which really helps take the strain off the amps.  I've blasted it loud as hell and haven't seen the needle move.  I would say though "powerful" is relative and there are other things than wattage to consider like toroidal capacity and how much amperes it's rated for.  Along with so many other things... although some inefficient speakers DO really need that extra juice @ghdprentice and from the same manufacturer, yes more wattage is typically better for inefficient speakers and also has to do with other things like ohm load and impedence matching with the preamp to the amplifier

@larsman I meant more like a physical one - check out BAFX spl meter on amazon or wherever you care to shop.  It has served me well and is not expensive.  My friends phone can be wildly off vs an actual calibrated meter.  Best of luck to you!  I'm always curious myself at volumes but if you're listening quietly it doesn't matter that much.  Your ears will tell you when it's getting loud