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

Well played Sir.

It depends on many things...

size of room
reflectiness (eg liveness) of room
hearing subjective quality
quality of material being played
mastering level

For example, I listen in a very small room (3m x 2m) and I am relatively close to my speakers for that reason. The room is carpeted to the floor but has a lot of glass along one side. I listen to music below 60 generally for typical modern day mastered music. DVDs 70 or so.

In another house which had a larger room 4m x 4m, high ceilings, big curtains on two walls, I'd typically listen to the same music at 65. DVDs 75 or so. The Michael Jackson 'This is it' "concert" is quite comfortable at 85 because it has immense dynamic range and is beautifully produced.

Wow!! Do I have super sensitive hearing? Or am I too considerate to the neighbours?
I listen to music about 52-56, and watch films at 62-68.

Nice!

I switch my system on @ -30 (57) and generally watch TV @ that level, except recorded programmes or DVD / Blu-Ray which needs -10 (77) to -25 (62) in order to either be heard or for the movie-soundtrack dynamics.

Streamed music is usually on @ -25 (62), or -20 (67) for some great (or quiet) tunes, or even down to -10 / -15 (77 / 72) for some epic moments !
I've also very very infrequently, played a few tracks @ 0 (87 !) or -5 (82 !) but that's very very rare....

Of course, this all depends on the time of day / night - and which day it is. There's noticeably lower ambient (external) noise on Sunday evenings, so levels can be quite a lot lower.

I think I must have sensitive hearing too! 50 is normal volume for me. 65 if I'm showing off my speakers.

Was testing some speakers the other day and could hear the 17k test tone.

T

same here:

It's set up to start gently at 40.
I normally play at 50 (55 depending on the recording)
I crank it up to 65 when I'm alone in party mode

I once accidentally started at 90 something, and that was a very short and painful experience (ears buzzing for some time)

Volume set to 50 at switch on.
Music 60 to 65
Films 70 to 75

My system is calibrated slightly higher than Meridian recommend as I could not get a good s/n ratio on MRC at the base level.

Music 40-55
Movies 50-65

SAY WHAT!!!

Good grief!!

My setup skills are stuck in first gear, but 'supplementing' is my understanding. ie the 5500s aren't throttled back at all.

I think your setup could use some guidance though if the clipping light is blinking on at 70. Why not put up a new thread & see what advice comes your way? Unless you've got your DSPs inside tea chests I can't think why they'd struggle at such a 'modest' setting. When you say...

That suggests that something is wrong somewhere.

Apologies if I've wandered OT here.