How can I establish a reference level?

@mikewerner 

Very interesting. i found that when I optimized my playback chain with low noise, low distortion gear (Benchmark DAC3 B + HPA4 + AHB2), I'm able to listen without fatigue at higher volume levels and for as long as I want.

I've owned gear in the past that output higher distortion and they always sounded good at certain volume levels or with certain genres but the Benchmark system lets me enjoy everything I want to listen to without problem.

In any case, if you're interested in how some studios may set their reference levels, here's an article from Sound On Sound - 'Establishing Project Studio Reference Levels'. Maybe you've already come across it yourself. Personally, I listen to music around 72 dB average SPL C weighted when measured with my RadioShack meter. The volume knob setting to achieve this varies with source material (e.g. -20 dB on most classical, -26 on most jazz, and -30 on contemporary pop music). I call it comfortably loud.

FYI: I set my volume level at the minimum acceptable level. I turn it up and I slowly lower the volume to the point where I don’t lose anything. Your long-term hearing health will thank you.

Yage- thank you for the link. I remember seeing that article awhile back and the reread was definitely worthwhile. To be clear, my room is small. The fatigue I speak of with levels 85dB+ has more to do with that than the equipment. Lots of room gain. I have done what I can to treat it but still, high levels are tiring. 

72dB is a good recommendation. Thank you for your response.

UPDATE:

In my post on 4/30 I mentioned there was a Pass Labs XA-25 OTW.

Well, it's here and has been up and running for about 3 months.

If you have speakers that SUCK power forget it, but for the JBL 4367s the amp is great. Compared to the AHB2s the XA-25 draws you in. At times with the AHB2s I felt I needed to put up the yellow caution tape, "Do Not Approach." Not so with the XA-25. If I want louder, moving from mid to near-field does the trick. Near-field with the AHB2s is a bit much.

But for a party on the back porch I can open the windows and turn it way up with the Benchmarks. They are more convincing at loud levels.

I'm glad you started this thread, sometimes the importance of ear drum preservation gets "lost in the mix". The problem is some music starts softly, peaks loudly, etc. But it is something that needs attention once I moved from a condo with neighbors to a private dwelling, no limits if you know what I mean.