What is your preferred volume level?

[jdandy]

That sounds practical. What happens when you switch phono stages or line stages and the gain changes?

Mark.......That's why Magic-Markers were invented. Just black out your original volume level setting on an album cover and draw in the new one. A secondary benefit to this is you can count the blacked out spots on your albums to help you remember how many gear changes you've been through. If you are Joe or Mike you may need both sides of the album cover.

 

[GaryProtein]

I am going to try playing my Shostakovich String Quartets at 90+ db this weekend. My expectation is it will sound awful, but I will try.

NOT the entire piece, just the peaks. When the quartet is IN your living room, it is that loud.

Admittedly, if your living room is 3000+ square feet with 40 foot ceilings like the Newport, RI mansions, it won't be that loud, but it will be in your house.

 

[CPP]

I view volume levels similar to the temperature of my shower. I adjust the water control until it feels right. I don't need a sticker on the shower wall to tell me the best setting. Basically, to each their own. Raise or lower the volume of your sound system until you feel warm and fuzzy. Seems pretty simple to me.

That's the way I handle it: Volume Up or Volume Down.

 

[BlueFox]

Depends on the music. For string quartets, it ranges between high 60s to mid 70s. Generally, the recording it what determines that as I keep the pre at 45. For rock on Friday and Saturday night, the pre will be in the 50s and 60s with an SPL in the 80s or low 90s.

This is measured at my chair, which is around 8 feet from each speaker.

NOT the entire piece, just the peaks. When the quartet is IN your living room, it is that loud.

Admittedly, if your living room is 3000+ square feet with 40 foot ceilings like the Newport, RI mansions, it won't be that loud, but it will be in your house.

Well, I couldn't take it at 80+ db. If a string quartet were in my listening room I would be sitting in their lap. There are a few violinists where that would be the sweet spot.

 

[BayStBroker]

Thanks to everyone for the thoughtful replies. I have indeed concluded that I was listening too loud (at 90db peaks). Bringing levels down 5-10 dbs (depending on mood) has enhanced my enjoyment. If it is loud enough that I can hear all of the details and not be distracted by ambient sounds, then I am perfectly well "immersed" and can save my ears any greater pressure. In fact, to be honest, I think I had levels set a little higher to actively discourage people (read, my wife) from casually interrupting my attention to the music. I wish she'd be more conscientious, but I cannot defend my practice of trying to drown her out.

 

[FlexibleAudio]

Thanks to everyone for the thoughtful replies. I have indeed concluded that I was listening to loud (at 90db peaks). Bringing levels down 5-10 dbs (depending on mood) has enhanced my enjoyment. If it is loud enough that I can hear all of the details and not be distracted by ambient sounds, then I am perfectly well "immersed" and can save my ears any greater pressure. In fact, to be honest, I think I had levels set a little higher to actively discourage people (read, my wife) from casually interrupting my attention to the music. I wish she'd be more conscientious, but I cannot defend my practice of trying to drown her out.

I put a bucket over my head to manage the wife thing but it does collapse the sound stage.