I find that as systems get better, one tends to listen at a LOWER volume, not higher. To some extent, higher average volume is used to compensate for a lack of dynamics and "boogie" factor.
I know there are all sorts of measurements that show that one must achieve 110+ db to realistically capture the dynamic peaks of real instruments. But, the fact remains that no commercial recordings offer realistic dynamic range and most listeners would find such recordings undesirable (too soft in quiet passages for the car, etc.).
I generally find that most listeners of classical music listen at a MUCH higher average listening level than one hears at a concert. This is, in part, to compensate for the lack of real impact and scale from recordings vs. the live experience. The better a system is at reproducing dynamic impact and scale, the lower the average listening level required. If one sets the peak level of a recording at say 100 db, the average level would be unnaturally, and for me unbearably, loud.
As for popular music, I like the fact that I can listen to music at much lower levels than a concert. I think listening at home and listening at a concert are completely different experiences. Frankly, if my system sounded as bad as a live concert, I would junk it in a flash.
I know there are all sorts of measurements that show that one must achieve 110+ db to realistically capture the dynamic peaks of real instruments. But, the fact remains that no commercial recordings offer realistic dynamic range and most listeners would find such recordings undesirable (too soft in quiet passages for the car, etc.).
I generally find that most listeners of classical music listen at a MUCH higher average listening level than one hears at a concert. This is, in part, to compensate for the lack of real impact and scale from recordings vs. the live experience. The better a system is at reproducing dynamic impact and scale, the lower the average listening level required. If one sets the peak level of a recording at say 100 db, the average level would be unnaturally, and for me unbearably, loud.
As for popular music, I like the fact that I can listen to music at much lower levels than a concert. I think listening at home and listening at a concert are completely different experiences. Frankly, if my system sounded as bad as a live concert, I would junk it in a flash.