Reference listening volume levels

[thedudeabides]

I think most folks would agree that volume has a big impact on serious dedicated music listening satisfaction and I'm curious as to how many actually consider this (from a repeatability perspective) when they play various pieces of music.

One reason I have owned three different CJ preamps is the numerical volume display and that each level is 0.7 db above or below the previous setting. This has been invaluable for me to find the optimum volume level for every CD I own and I record this level (with date) on a "post it" inside the jewel case. Takes out all the guess work when I play that disc in the future.

Another benefit is to recalibrate volume levels when you change out a piece of hardware. I found that my new Luxman D06u CDP's volume level is generally three to four clicks higher than my previous CARY SACD CDP. I believe this is attributable to the fact that the CARY has a bit more "top down" sonic signature (slightly brighter, less mid bass energy) versus the Luxman's "bottom up" voicing.

How many forum members do this and if you don't, how do you ensure you are listening at a consistent level for each LP, CD, or tape? Or do you just wing it depending on mood and other factors?

 

[NorthStar]

Hi,

I don't do this; mainly because I don't listen to reference volume level (I don't even know what it is the recommended one by the music mixer/recording engineer of each music recording).

For example, right now I am listening to Opera music @ minus 33dB (low level listening mood).
Yesterday was another volume level and later on today it will also be.

By the way what is the reference volume level, recommended for music listening?

 

[asiufy]

I think volume level is, as you noticed, a factor of the gear being used, but also a particular mood. Sometimes you just want to listen louder, and sometimes having it quieter than usual is also fine. I never found there is *one* right volume setting for all occasions...

 

[thedudeabides]

By reference, I mean your own personal, max preferred level that is comfortable but sufficiently energizes the room while allowing you to clearly hear the recording venue ambience / sonic character. I typically listen at peaks not exceeding 85db or so. FYI, I have a somewhat live room with windows behind the speaker and when it gets to loud, the instruments (especially piano transients) starts to ring / reverberate.

 

[RogerD]

It just depends. I can play most classical music near the same volume level. Jazz is similar but not as consistent as classical. Pop and Rock are considerably lower.
The distortion (all kinds) is probably the biggest factor on where the system is optimized as far as realism of the illusion.
I haven’t changed the basic system in 30 years accept adding a DAC ten years ago.

 

[NorthStar]

By reference, I mean your own personal, max preferred level that is comfortable but sufficiently energizes the room while allowing you to clearly hear the recording venue ambience / sonic character. I typically listen at peaks not exceeding 85db or so. FYI, I have a somewhat live room with windows behind the speaker and when it gets to loud, the instruments (especially piano transients) starts to ring / reverberate.

I see.

Are there some ultra high-end preamps with volume controls as fine as 0.1 dB? Yes.
Some manufacturers, such as Levinson, BAT, and Boulder offer extremely small steps of .1 or .2 db.
_____

About dual mono attenuators?

But then, no remote. ...Cleaner sound though.

 

[KostasP.]

Setting optimal playback volume levels.

For me, setting \ optimising volume levels for playback is essential, even crucial given the apparent discrepancies and variations that exist between recordings. Invariably, the volume levels that I set depend on the degree of compression and dynamic range of a recording.

There is an established procedure that I ritually follow during the very first listening session of a new recording and this proves to be invaluable every time I choose to play a particular recording. Not only do I note down the optimal level but also my favourite tracks ( in my chosen order, whether thematic or emotional ) on the inner sleeve of an LP or on the inner "spine" of the CD's cover ( if this is feasible ). If not, I record these details on a small rectangular piece of white cardboard and secure it under the small plastic tabs that hold the liner notes or the cover of the CD.

Usually, for uncompressed music with a wide dynamic range I tend to aim for SPL PEAKS of around 105 - 107 dBs ( C - weighted, Fast ). For compressed music, depending on the degree of compression, I seldom exceed 95 dB PEAKS. Paradoxically but not unsurprisingly, these recordings sound louder and initially impressive ( albeit less demanding on the system ) than the 105 dB uncompressed recordings but nowhere near as realistic, as the natural acoustic properties ( mainly amplitude properties ) of the instruments have been manipulated and "doctored", affecting equally soundstage depth and holography amongst other aspects of high-end playback.

In the event of changing components, the selected volume levels can be easily readjusted. The convenience and, above all, the assurance that each recording will be optimally rendered without guesswork and even potential harm ( due to unknowingly unexpected transients ) has proven to be invaluable, in terms of enhanced musical enjoyment and time-saving.
Of course, depending on mood, one can easily play at lower than the optimal \ highest levels.

Apologies for the verbosity and please don't assume that I am claiming some sort of a "first" or exclusivity; it is really common sense, given the inconsistent and often chaotic recording \ mastering levels.

Cheers, Kostas.