Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems What volume do you guys consider 'loud enough'?

I find that the input device has a large impact on the 861 volume setting.

Went to a Tivo Romio last year (from a Series 3) and I had to raise my normal TV listening from 60 to 68.

For other sources (Oppo and Squeezebox) upper 50s is fine.

So, in my system, seems to be source dependent.

Gages

I think most of us are in the same situation.

Russ

I know the feeling, when I have been watching a DVD or Bluray the volume is quite low at night for me but it is easy to get caught out when you flick back to TV mode and you have left babe-station on and it comes blaring out almost max volume.

Those channels are always so loud.

That happened to a friend once...

87 (absolute) corresponds to THX Ref (OdBr). At that level, a 16 bit PCM input of -20 dBfs provides a calibrated 85 dB SPL at the listening position (note I mentioned calibrating the system).

I find I listen to films at approx -6 dBr (81 absolute) in a small room approx 2 1/2 meters from the LCRs, and most music at -20-22 dBr (67-65 absolute). Occasionally music is listened to at lower levels, particularly with CDs crammed up near 0 dBfs in encoded level.

Good point. Volume display setting is relative and therefore is not a valid comparison from system to system. After all, each system may be calibrated differently and will be louder in 5.2 than stereo for the same volume setting.

I calibrate my main speakers at least 3dB down in order to hear the surrounds and subs better. Therefore, my volume setting will tend to be higher than others who calibrate all their speakers at the same level.

On the other hand, an SPL meter is an absolute value. I listen around 70 dB.