Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems What volume do you listen to music at?

So many variables here! Speakers, room size, recording levels etc, an impossible question to answer. Just go with the flow and enjoy what you enjoy.

As displayed by the speakers in my case.

Exactly right Chris G

I thought similar then I used iPad - Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter

At my seating distance 11ft with no background noise I got close to Meridian display number as peak reading, obviously volume does vary in tracks.

What was interesting is that I tend to listen quite low 35 to 42 perhaps to appease other household members, but research showed concert volumes c. 90dB and hearing loss above 85dB. Hence starting to listen at 50 to 55. Achievable as kids back at Uni.

Kevin

That's the app I use, I only get the free version cause I'm cheap, but we also have 20-20KHz sweeps on Tidal to see how linear everything is at the listening spot and anywhere else.

I've been without my system for a while (house renovations) but I tended to listen to music at 60 - 70 on the display. Generally I'd play favourite pieces louder; some music just demands more volume!

My seating position is approx 3 meters away from the speakers. I used to listen at 65 but lately I enjoy it better at 45-60 depending on loudness of the recording.

65 is the standard number for me, sometimes go up to 70.

+1 with Hector - particularly on room size/acoustics.

Taking this slightly off topic, my answer would be it depends on which DSP I’m listening to - as well as what recording. I play Tidal exclusively and files from last century are recorded at much lower levels than those of this decade. At least 10 points different listening level, I’d say.

Although I would think that 65 would be the same level throughout the Meridian range, I have found that I need about 4-5 points higher on my pair of DSP3100’s than on my pair of DSP5000’s to achieve the similar subjective level. Why should this be?

To the OP, why does your wife wince? I ask, because if it is due to a static-y or crinkle-ly sound on peak levels, she may want to have her ears examined. Impacted ear wax can make a terrible noise when it touches the eardrum (ask me how I know).

I use a few different volumes generally:

Legacy CD's which I would describe as simply transcribing the final mixed analogue audio digitally to red book audio standard or AAD, at 65.

Digital re-masters which have used original unmixed analogue audio to remix and re-master like the Giles Martin Beatles 50 year anniversary releases of Abby Road etc at 60.

Older THX DTS or AC3 encoded Blu-Rays at 70.

Newer THX DTS or AC3 at 65

Netflix streamed AC3 via my Pioneer T700 at 60.

Air-Play streamed to Roku for background music at 55.

Go figure!

Agreed, but it is essential to listen at a comfortable level commensurate with the source. Tweaking volume will always be necessary until AI is applied.