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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
larsman's avatar
larsman
1,753 posts
 

Whatever volume I happen to enjoy listening at at the time is the proper volume. 

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,717 posts
 

@snilf,

Frequencies below 500Hz are felt as well as heard, see Bone Conduction.😎 Article

Mike

jumia
528 posts
 

Things sound better than louder they are. Just below the point where it gets uncomfortable and where are you notice distortion. 

Treat yourself every once in a while. But overall keep it around 75 because it does damage hearing over Time.

Oh and get rid of the reverberations in the room.

 

rodman99999
6,008 posts
 

Oh and get rid of the reverberations in the room.

                              Couldn't agree more!

                 Room treatment = absolute necessity

audio_guy_uofw
27 posts
 

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.

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