I'm moving the volume talk that was derailing the Magico thread here.
My experience is that there is not a particular "ideal" volume for listening. A low volume and high volume level can give equally rewarding experiences. Some systems perform better than others at low volumes and at high volumes, so given the system and the room, there is a given range that works.
When the discussions turn to db levels, the discussion becomes pretty meaningless unless there is a reference regarding the SPL meter used. Also, the db range needs to be cited, as well as whether measuring at dbA or dbC. Saying "I like to listen at 75 db or 100 db" is completely meaningless unless you happen to be listening to something with no dynamic range. I use an iPhone with the "DB Meter" app.
My room is large 15x45'. I listen typically around a 75 avg with peaks in the 90's. Sometimes I'll listen as low as an average in the 60's. Sometimes I'll really crank it up to higher levels with peaks above 100db particularly if I'm near the 30-40' depth of the room which creates an experience where the room is more "involved." This can create a more live performance facsimile which can promote the illusion of “they are here.”
@Cableman brought up something called RRV. I'm guessing it stands for Room Reference Volume? I've asked the question, which has so far gone un-answered, as to how there can be a room reference volume which doesn't vary by recoding?
My experience is that there is not a particular "ideal" volume for listening. A low volume and high volume level can give equally rewarding experiences. Some systems perform better than others at low volumes and at high volumes, so given the system and the room, there is a given range that works.
When the discussions turn to db levels, the discussion becomes pretty meaningless unless there is a reference regarding the SPL meter used. Also, the db range needs to be cited, as well as whether measuring at dbA or dbC. Saying "I like to listen at 75 db or 100 db" is completely meaningless unless you happen to be listening to something with no dynamic range. I use an iPhone with the "DB Meter" app.
My room is large 15x45'. I listen typically around a 75 avg with peaks in the 90's. Sometimes I'll listen as low as an average in the 60's. Sometimes I'll really crank it up to higher levels with peaks above 100db particularly if I'm near the 30-40' depth of the room which creates an experience where the room is more "involved." This can create a more live performance facsimile which can promote the illusion of “they are here.”
@Cableman brought up something called RRV. I'm guessing it stands for Room Reference Volume? I've asked the question, which has so far gone un-answered, as to how there can be a room reference volume which doesn't vary by recoding?
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