Why magic at 80 db?

You are probably right that it is a strong factor, but why did I only notice it with my new speakers!? Is it just that I am slow? LOL

Bob

What wonderful comments to my question. Thanks guys.

Durbin, my previous speakers were Salk HT1s. They had a Seas Excel magnesium midrange.

Thinking back, I did prefer the 80-85 db range on them too, but the difference wasn’t as pronounced. If I had to guess the I would say that I was not only listening to the musical instruments, I was also listening to slight colorations in the sound at lower levels that made the music more interesting down there. That is just a WAG at a solution that is not given with any conviction.

I have heard that said about Quads before. I wonder if they can play cleanly at 80 db without any distress since shorter transients are probably much louder.

Bob

Audiofankj,

That was an interesting comment that it might be my amp. I have a McCormak 225. I will keep your possibility in mind.

Mezmo,

I find your comment most interesting of all. One clue that the mastering level might be a key point is that when I listen to a classical orchestra at 80-85 then the passages that are much softer still sound pretty special too.

Bob

Rodman99999,

The speakers have been on almost 24/7 for a year. :D

Bob

Lrsky, thanks for your kind comments.

Bob