Average Listening levels

Zero · 03-11-2004, 04:01 PM

We've seen a thread in regards to those who love it loud. Surely we all do at some point, but what is your average listening level?

Mine tends to vary, depending on the occuring noise from traffic outside, computer noise (sounds like a damned jet engine), noise in the house (tv, parents moving/talking). On an average basis, I've measured between 75-85 db.

When there is no noise, about 65-70 db.

Ron-P · 03-11-2004, 04:07 PM

90-95 when alone.
80-85 when guests are watching.

Outside noise is not a factor.

Peace Out~

Jstas · 03-11-2004, 04:24 PM

Depends on how fast the truck is moving. Gotta be able to hear the stereo over the exhaust note and blower whine.

steveinaz · 03-11-2004, 05:44 PM

I listen at moderate levels usually, I hardly ever listen to "background" music; But when I put on some Creed or other hard-driving rock, I can't help myself...my amp earns its pay and my speakers get punished!

organ · 03-11-2004, 05:47 PM

For the past few weeks I've been enjoying my speakers at average listening levels. I'm guessing around 75db. I used to love it really loud but it's more relaxing for me when the volume is at average levels. With acoustic, opera and classical music, I try to get real life dynamics.
One thing's for sure about the Klipsch though. They stay clean and crystal clear at any volume. You know, you don't realize how loud the speakers are playing until someone walks in the room and tries to talk to you

. But once in a while I try to bring the metal concerts into the house.

Maurice

Zero · 03-12-2004, 02:18 AM

Steve,

When I listened to the Athena's, I heard a speaker with massive potential. I actually came very close to ordering a pair for myself. I cant help but wonder what they sound like on some good quality gear, like the stuff in your rig.

Maurice,

I will never forget listening to a pair of Belle's for the first time. The highs were incredibly dynamic and clear. Even at volumes that went beyond the threshold of pain - there was no distortion *only blood from the ears heh*. If there is one thing to say about good Horns, they are dynamic as hell..

madmax · 03-12-2004, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by organ
With acoustic, opera and classical music, I try to get real life dynamics.
...But once in a while I try to bring the metal concerts into the house.

Maurice

I like the music the loudness it SHOULD be as well.

madmax

steveinaz · 03-12-2004, 10:57 AM

ATC-
I love the Athena's. The real attention getter is the midrange/high's. Delightful with voices and the treble is the best I've heard in anything I've ever owned. Bass is great to, and I like the forward-firing port; My Pinnacle CGT's that the Athena's replaced had 3 rear-firing ports that made it necessary to move them out into the room to avoid bass-boom. It took the Atena's a good 30 days to settle-in though, especially in the bass region. When you unpack them, you become immediately impressed with the fit & finish---very nice for a $600/pr speaker. The Athena's are not bi-wireable, and I love it!

organ · 03-12-2004, 01:24 PM

Sean,
You're so lucky to have a Klipsch dealer nearby carrying the Heratige line. I can't find any around here to demo. Which heritage speakers did you like the most out of the ones you've heard? I really want a pair of La Scala on tube gear.

Madmax,
Yeah, it's awesome. That way, it sounds more realistic. But when listening to metal, I try not to do that. I want to keep my hearing. But for acoustic, opera, classical and other softer stuff, I love it. I love hearing the music build up to a climax when the dynamics is at its peak and it feels like your room is about to explode

. What a rush.

Maurice

Zero · 03-12-2004, 01:57 PM

Maurice,

Im not sure if they are carrying the line or not. It could have been a pair from one of the salesmen personal collection. I didnt see any other Klipsch products in there. The LaScala's, Belle's, and Klipschorns I heard have all been in peoples private homes.

Steve,

Big, beautiful speaker, clear sound, accurate, couldnt ask for more from a speaker with a 600 dollar price tag. I'd love to compare them to the Totems at some point down the road - maybe if I work for Best Buy eh.

kberg · 03-12-2004, 02:26 PM

About 15-20 clicks under reference level.

Vr3MxStyler2k3 · 03-12-2004, 04:31 PM

70-100db...

When alone, 96-98db...

TechChallenged · 03-12-2004, 06:49 PM

What does reference level mean?

Dr. Spec · 03-12-2004, 07:18 PM

80-85 dB peaks at the seat on music.

Anywhere from -15 RL to -5 RL for HT, depending on the DVD.

AsSiMiLaTeD · 03-12-2004, 08:59 PM

I gotta get me an SPL...

amulford · 03-13-2004, 11:11 AM

"normal" is around 80 - 90 db at the spots. The problem is I usually have to move around, so depending on what I'm doing it can get up there around the 105-110 db area.

Or if I do decide to "just chill and jam", Depending on the genre, it's anywhere from 95 - 110 db.

danger boy · 03-14-2004, 01:52 AM

I just used the spl. for stereo music.. i like the levels between 75 and 85ish . sometimes slightly louder.. but to me.. most all types of music sound best in this range of volume.

TheMaster · 03-15-2004, 07:41 AM

From -10 to 0, depending on who is watching with me.

80db - 85db for music.

03-11-2004, 04:01 PM	#1
Zero Stronzo Member Sales Rating: (4) Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Over Yonder Posts: 7,390	Average Listening levels We've seen a thread in regards to those who love it loud. Surely we all do at some point, but what is your average listening level? Mine tends to vary, depending on the occuring noise from traffic outside, computer noise (sounds like a damned jet engine), noise in the house (tv, parents moving/talking). On an average basis, I've measured between 75-85 db. When there is no noise, about 65-70 db.

03-11-2004, 04:07 PM	#2
Ron-P Spaceman Spiff Member Sales Rating: (17) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 7,165	90-95 when alone. 80-85 when guests are watching. Outside noise is not a factor. Peace Out~ __________________ Sometimes you reach what's real by making believe.

03-11-2004, 05:44 PM	#4
steveinaz Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (6) Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Javelina Highway Posts: 9,684	I listen at moderate levels usually, I hardly ever listen to "background" music; But when I put on some Creed or other hard-driving rock, I can't help myself...my amp earns its pay and my speakers get punished! __________________ - C.E.C. CD-3300 CD Transport - Belden 1694A Digital Coaxial - Benchmark DAC/PRE Preamp/DAC - Kimber Hero Interconnects - Parasound HCA-1500A Power Amplifier - Kimber 8TC v.2 Speaker Cable - Energy Connoisseur C-9 Speakers

03-11-2004, 05:47 PM	#5
organ Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Deep in the Amazon Posts: 4,118	For the past few weeks I've been enjoying my speakers at average listening levels. I'm guessing around 75db. I used to love it really loud but it's more relaxing for me when the volume is at average levels. With acoustic, opera and classical music, I try to get real life dynamics. One thing's for sure about the Klipsch though. They stay clean and crystal clear at any volume. You know, you don't realize how loud the speakers are playing until someone walks in the room and tries to talk to you. But once in a while I try to bring the metal concerts into the house. Maurice __________________ Rega Apollo Audio Zone Pre-A1 Audio Zone Amp-D2 Magnepan MG 12/QR "I would rather have a cup of tone than an ocean of power" Dr. Harvey Rosenberg

03-12-2004, 01:24 PM	#9
organ Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Deep in the Amazon Posts: 4,118	Sean, You're so lucky to have a Klipsch dealer nearby carrying the Heratige line. I can't find any around here to demo. Which heritage speakers did you like the most out of the ones you've heard? I really want a pair of La Scala on tube gear. Madmax, Yeah, it's awesome. That way, it sounds more realistic. But when listening to metal, I try not to do that. I want to keep my hearing. But for acoustic, opera, classical and other softer stuff, I love it. I love hearing the music build up to a climax when the dynamics is at its peak and it feels like your room is about to explode. What a rush. Maurice

03-11-2004, 04:24 PM	#3
Jstas Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (2) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Denial...it's in Egypt. Posts: 7,578	Depends on how fast the truck is moving. Gotta be able to hear the stereo over the exhaust note and blower whine.

03-12-2004, 02:18 AM	#6
Zero Stronzo Member Sales Rating: (4) Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Over Yonder Posts: 7,390	Steve, When I listened to the Athena's, I heard a speaker with massive potential. I actually came very close to ordering a pair for myself. I cant help but wonder what they sound like on some good quality gear, like the stuff in your rig. Maurice, I will never forget listening to a pair of Belle's for the first time. The highs were incredibly dynamic and clear. Even at volumes that went beyond the threshold of pain - there was no distortion only blood from the ears heh. If there is one thing to say about good Horns, they are dynamic as hell..

03-12-2004, 10:57 AM	#8
steveinaz Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (6) Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Javelina Highway Posts: 9,684	ATC- I love the Athena's. The real attention getter is the midrange/high's. Delightful with voices and the treble is the best I've heard in anything I've ever owned. Bass is great to, and I like the forward-firing port; My Pinnacle CGT's that the Athena's replaced had 3 rear-firing ports that made it necessary to move them out into the room to avoid bass-boom. It took the Atena's a good 30 days to settle-in though, especially in the bass region. When you unpack them, you become immediately impressed with the fit & finish---very nice for a $600/pr speaker. The Athena's are not bi-wireable, and I love it!

03-12-2004, 01:57 PM	#10
Zero Stronzo Member Sales Rating: (4) Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Over Yonder Posts: 7,390	Maurice, Im not sure if they are carrying the line or not. It could have been a pair from one of the salesmen personal collection. I didnt see any other Klipsch products in there. The LaScala's, Belle's, and Klipschorns I heard have all been in peoples private homes. Steve, Big, beautiful speaker, clear sound, accurate, couldnt ask for more from a speaker with a 600 dollar price tag. I'd love to compare them to the Totems at some point down the road - maybe if I work for Best Buy eh.

03-12-2004, 02:26 PM	#11
kberg Polkazoid Member Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 974	About 15-20 clicks under reference level. __________________ Mains: polkaudio RTi70's (bi-wired) Center: polkaudio CSi40 (bi-wired) Surrounds: polkaudio FXi30's Rear Center: polkaudio CSi30 Sub: SVS 20-39 PC+ Receiver: ONKYO TX-SR600 Display: JVC HD-56G786 DVD Player: SONY DVP-CX985V DVD Player: OPPO DV-981HD 1080p High Definition Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI Remote: Logitech Harmony H688

03-12-2004, 04:31 PM	#12
Vr3MxStyler2k3 Sid the Kid Member Sales Rating: (21) Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NC Posts: 15,664	70-100db... When alone, 96-98db...

03-12-2004, 06:49 PM	#13
TechChallenged Polkster Member Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 106	What does reference level mean?

03-12-2004, 07:18 PM	#14
Dr. Spec Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: New York Posts: 3,771	80-85 dB peaks at the seat on music. Anywhere from -15 RL to -5 RL for HT, depending on the DVD. __________________ "What we do in life echoes in eternity" Ed Mullen Customer Service Director / Product Development Manager SV Sound International www.svsound.com sales@svsound.com techsupport@svsound.com LSi-7 F/X 1000 CS245i

03-12-2004, 08:59 PM	#15
AsSiMiLaTeD Polk Master Member Sales Rating: (12) Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: 7th Circle of Hell Posts: 5,895	I gotta get me an SPL... __________________ @SOPA Main HT (still 2 channel though) Polk Audio LSi7, Harman Kardon HK 3480, Toshiba HD-A35, Sony C2000ES SACD, Sony PS3 Secondary 2 channel system: Totem Rainmakers, Music Hall A25.2 Integrated, Music hall CD25.2 CDP, Sony C2000ES SACD Headphone Gear: Sennheiser HD650, ASL MG Head OTL Amp, Cardas headphone cable

03-14-2004, 01:52 AM	#17
danger boy Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (10) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Spokane, Washington Posts: 14,082	I just used the spl. for stereo music.. i like the levels between 75 and 85ish . sometimes slightly louder.. but to me.. most all types of music sound best in this range of volume. __________________ I need a new sig... "Ask not what can your stereo system can do for you, ask what you can do for your stereo" - little ol me

03-15-2004, 07:41 AM	#18
TheMaster Polkster Member Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: SFO, CA Posts: 184	From -10 to 0, depending on who is watching with me. 80db - 85db for music. __________________ HT: DENON AVR-3803 DENON DVM-1805 SONY DVP-NS300 SONY 36' HDTV Wega ADCOM GFA-555 ADCOM GFA-555 ADCOM GFA-2535 ADCOM ACE-515 POLK RTi70's (Bi-Amped) POLK CSi40 POLK FXi30's POLK RTi38's POLK CSi20 POLK PSW 450 SVS PB2 Plus 2 CH Stereo: AudioSource Pre/Amp 1 Hafler DH-500 Sony CDP-CX235 Monster Cable HTS3500 SDA SRS 2.3tl

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