Repeatable volume level / how critical?

thedudeabides · Feb 27, 2016

I wanted to share some recent experiences that has reinforced my belief that volume level has a significant impact on the listening experience.

Over the past year, I replaced the IC's in my system (DH Labs to Shunyata Research) and over the past month cleaned all contacts, installed a used Furutech AC outlet and a new EAT ECC88 tube (previous tube was a very good NOS Telefunken) in my pre.

I recognize that the "O" crowd may claim hogwash (fine with me, I welcome dissenting views respectfully expressed) but these minor changes, in aggregate, have again amplified the importance of volume level and ones emotional response / connectivity to the music.

FWIW, my CJ has a volume control with a difference of 0.7db per click.

In the end, a minor monetary investment with huge musical rewards that validates the importance of volume level to musical enjoyment.

Best

Rodney Gold · Feb 27, 2016

I cant see where the volume control level comes into this , is part of the post missing?

BlueFox · Feb 27, 2016

I am assuming he experienced a different volume level from the changes, and that is what the 'O' crowd would object to. The important point is that these types of changes can make a difference in the audio quality.

thedudeabides · Feb 27, 2016

Sorry if I wasn't clear.

The post is about finding and repeating the "ideal" volume level when you are listening "one on one".

amirm · Feb 27, 2016

You mean after finding the ideal volume level, you like to return to it in future listening sessions to better accuracy than 0.7 db?

Rodney Gold · Feb 28, 2016

Yeh, in my system there is a volume level where everything snaps into place..The room and system are tuned to playing best when loud

Gregadd · Feb 28, 2016

I've read that some people actually write the volume level on the album cover. it is very important imy opinion.

thedudeabides · Feb 28, 2016

I do for each of my CD's. That's why I was asking.

If your VC is a knob, do you try to find the same "gain" setting or do you sorta wing it?

To Amir's question, I would like settings tighter than 0.7 db but that's what the CJ does so I live with it.

Gregadd · Feb 28, 2016

The guys I know had digital readouts ala Audio Research. If you use a sound meter you usually need a tone for that.

Just off the top of my head you could print out a picture of your volume control and mark it. Or you could use the clock system.

Johnny Vinyl · Feb 28, 2016

I can adjust by 0.5 increments, which I find very useful. However, I don't use my VC as a yardstick for noting an optimal/ideal reference point. And although my DSOTM may sound best at -17.5dB, I don't always want to listen at that level. Additionally every recording is different, some are louder than others, so I don't see how one level would be optimal.

Mosin · Feb 28, 2016

I am a minimalist, so I replaced my linestage with autoformers. They allow for extremely fine steps. Exact volume repeatability is a given, and I like that. I can't say it's an "end all", however.

thedudeabides · Feb 28, 2016

I have a "spread" on my numeric display from 40 to 68 for my CD's. That's a 20db difference.

And yes, when I had a VC without a display, I would put small dots on the VC knob so I could repeat the previous setting.

amirm · Feb 28, 2016

I have a reference level of "65" on my pre-amp. I routinely adjust it +-5 to 10 db. Just like you thedudeabides.

I don't know how to live with one level given the large variations in recording level and my preference for whether I want to shake the walls or not.

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Repeatable volume level / how critical?

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