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?
I typically listen at 75-80 dBSPL C weighted. @chester_bunger re your question about Android SLM app, I believe they are problematic without calibration. Unlike iPhones, which all use the same mic calibration, android phones do not adhere to a standardized mic sensitivity spec. I use Decibel X Pro on a Samsung Galaxy S9+, and using a calibrated Sound Level Meter I found I needed to introduce almost 15 dB of calibration offset to get an accurate SPL reading! Fortunately this app allows for calibration...not all do. If this is not an option, even a relatively inexpensive Sound Level Meter is a useful tool to have for someone interested in audio. I would recommend one with both A and C weighting, and Fast and Slow response. They are available on Amazon for under $40. While not lab grade, they would be much better than an uncalibrated Android app. |
I agree with Paul McGowan. I don’t pay attention to db levels as my guide. My guide is what the particular music should be played at to be in proportion if it were live, and per where I am ‘sitting’ for the performance. Of course, I play a lot of acoustic music, where that is more easily defined in ‘size’. |
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. |
I made and setup my system to sound very good at low levels. About once a week my wife will spend a day with one of her friends, and that is the day I will turn it up a bit. Not deafening, but a fairly healthy volume. Those of you who constantly listen to levels 85 db and higher and have a spouse, either she's deaf, or doesn't care. Lol |
"A whisper is about 30 dB, normal conversation is about 60 dB, and a motorcycle engine running is about 95 dB. Noise above 70 dB over a prolonged period of time may start to damage your hearing. Loud noise above 120 dB can cause immediate harm to your ears." CDC Assuming above is true, seems normal conversation 60 dB is minimum to hear into the music and maybe 70 dB is the safe recommended max. Anything above that and you get into risk/reward, and risk tolerance is highly subjective. I'm risk adverse and am very protective of my hearing from damaging sounds - excessive dB levels, not the sound of a nagging spouse :) |
@mapman That’s certainly true. I have a higher end system in a medium size superb listening room. I prefer listening in the 80s db range with 100db maximum peaks, depending on music. No distortion problems. I can also enjoy music at low levels and in-between due to the great tonal/colorful sound as well as relative dynamics of the recording. This is more true of my classical music than jazz and then of my rock music. There is a range of loudness which is preferred for typical listening versus background listening. I occasionally listen to music laying down on a couch with the music playing in the 60 or 70 db range. Can’t sleep because the dynamics, color and resolution of the performances keep me aware/awake. It’s good to have a great audio system and room. More levels of enjoyment. P.S. I was tested last year, at age 66, with a frequency range up to 16kHz, exceeding the typical 66 year old (limit of test equipment range). I have avoided 100+db sounds all my life (except cap guns as a child), no rock concerts or using heavy equipment without hearing protection. 80db listening over 6+ decades did not negatively impact my hearing, minimum listening time is 2 hours nightly and up to 10 hours studying/reading in my teens and 20s. |
There is no one volume. Brian Eno made recordings where he prefers the volume level to drop off completely. Then there's Kuma's Corner, a bar in the Avondale neighborhood in Chicago where the proper volume is ear bleeding, brain damaging loud. Fantastic burgers and beer and drinks choices. Just bring earplugs and come on a warm night when you can sit outside. You'll still need the earplugs though. |
