[Devil Doc]

No matter what I'm listening to, CDs or vinyl, I set the volume with my trusty spl meter. The peaks barely reach 90 dB. However, subjectively, CDs sound louder. Anyone else experience this? And, more importantly, do you have an explanation?

Doc

[jimdgoulding]

I'm guessing, Doc, but maybe they are mixed at a higher level.   Nearer the microphone, too?

[Gzerro]

No matter what I'm listening to, CDs or vinyl, I set the volume with my trusty spl meter. The peaks barely reach 90 dB. However, subjectively, CDs sound louder. Anyone else experience this? And, more importantly, do you have an explanation?

Doc

I would guess compression in the mastering process. In general, CDs are mastered with more compression than vinyl. This causes the CD version to be louder most of the time, even if the peaks are the same.

[orthobiz]

I say brickwalling also! I'm slowly going deaf and I try to quietly "snap" my fingers without the loud snap. Place them behind my ears and I try to make sure I can still hear the snap.

Paul