Full range speakers or not and how loud

[Al M.]

Solypsa, I really have no clue.
I whipped out my iPhone 12 with Decibel X app on it and that is what it read.

You should buy a real SPL meter; there are pretty decent ones at Amazon for less than 20 bucks, like the BAFX3370.

No offense, but iPhone SPL readings are complete trash. They can be off by as much as 15 dB -- totally useless.

 

[brad225]

Not offended and not surprised.
I have an old Radio Shack meter laying around somewhere. I have really never been interested in the db level but I found the thread fascinating so I checked with something I didn't need to get up out of my listening chair.
I know I don't listen very loud as many people that come to hear my system prefer it louder that I like. I will just leave the room and let them enjoy it louder at times.

 

[Motoman]

I’m interested in what volume level people enjoy hifi

I typically listen in the 80-88db range

 

[Addicted to hifi]

I typically listen in the 80-88db range

That’s a very comfortable level.

 

[Motoman]

That’s a very comfortable level.

Rarely do I crank it up past 90db, which is usually classic rock. The problem is that so many classic rock recordings sound like crap with a higher end system, and since I also have a ton of Led Zep bootlegs, well, let's just say that the louder a less than good album is played, the more it is painful to listen to. So I guess it is self-limiting, LOL!

 

[Addicted to hifi]

Btw welcome motoman To wbf.

 

[Robh3606]

I typically listen @ mid 80's average depending on the source material. I have digital SPL meter which is set to c weighting and "slow". It has a "fast" with a peak hold feature and it's not all that uncommon to see a 20db peak recorded. Just shows you how much power your speakers can swallow in fast transients that you don't judge subjectively as being objectionably loud.

Rob

 

[jahnghalt]

My unconfirmed answer - 90-95 dB - louder after the 4th martini. "Confirmation" possibly not required - see below.

Over the years I've been a "good guesser" estimating "peak" SPL's on home audio systems.

WTH does that MEAN, Ghalt???

It MEANS, that, with relatively low dynamic range rock and R&B, I listen and second guess myself for a few minutes - then come out with a number. Then I turn on the once ubiquitous Radio Shack SPL meter - check the battery - flip the switches to "SLOW" and "C"
(slow needle ballistics, "C"-weighting)

and find that I'm usually within 1-2 dB of the needle at the top of it's swing - rarely off by 3db.

Alas, for some time my Rat Shack meter has been dead.

FWIW - I have recently "performed well" with a friend's less-vintage Rat Shack meter with an LED readout.

 

[Cableman]

I’m interested in what volume level people enjoy hifi

I enjoy at the RRV. see the discussion elsewhere on WBF