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What decibel level do you listen at?

poor grammer on the question, I know, but I recently downloaded the SPL Meter app for my iPhone and I am shocked by how low the volume level actually is when I listen to music.

I thought I was normally listening at high SPL levels, but I have found that at about 85 it's too loud to think (when it reads 65, you can't talk to someone else in the room). I checked it against my real SPL Meter and the readings are pretty accurate.

I thought I was listening at about 90+ dbl on average, but I have discovered it's actually about 60 to 75 db, and that actually seems loud to me. I guess I'm happy about that, but does anyone else check the Decibel level, and what's considered "Reference Level"?
macdadtexas
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macdadtexas OP
1,794 posts
 
Tvad, you are a menace to the neighborhood! Hope you don't live in a NY apartment, or we will lose you to an angry next door, below, or above neighbor.

Man, on both my RatShack meter and my iPhone at 75 db it's deafening. I must have whimpy ears.
drbud
2 posts
 
Usually 85 to 90,but when i want to jam 110 to 115dbs according to my spl meter at my seated position 15 feet away.Yes i know that's too loud for most audiophiles but it's my friday routine thing for a half hour or hour.
jdlepera's avatar
jdlepera
234 posts
 
Ditto here!85dB - 90dB. Sometimes louder. Rarely quieter. This is measured from the listening seat with a Radio Shack decibel meter....
Its background music below 65db not for serious listening imho.Live performances are not at 65db so how could you judge a recording performance at 65db or below?80db for that matter..JD
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