What is the proper loudness for listening?


Paul McGowan via YouTube claims that each room, system and recording has a specific sound level at which music sounds most "real"

I've noticed this myself listening to my 3 different systems set up in differing rooms. Thought I was crazy to think so but I guess maybe I'm not?

Also, have notice in smaller listening rooms that lower maximum volume levels sound more real.  Going too high on volume in a small room just overloads it and results in distortion

Any comments?

bobbydd

Showing 1 response by whart

The db levels are informative to a point. What’s the ambient noise level of your room?

I don’t have to listen LOUD to get it, but if I crank it a bit more than mild, I’ll energize the room with the subs and can get more. It is not necessarily better, I listen to tonality, texture and a "filled in" dimensional sound- I usually start with the midrange anyway, if that isn’t grainless and transparent, I’m out. But in terms of volume level, depending on how loudly a particular level is cut into a specific pressing, there’s an ideal loudness level within a range. Beyond that, you aren’t going to get more. Is it a system failing? if so, I don’t care at this point.

Be happy, don’t worry. Or something.