What is the average volume in db/SPL?

roymail · « **on:** 4 Mar 2005, 12:10 am »

I'd like to get some answers to these questions about volume (loudness):

1. How loud is too loud, so loud that it can damage you hearing if you listen at this volume consistently?

2. There's probably no "average" listening level, but I understand that listening to music played at 90db for several hours each day can cause hearing loss over time. Right or wrong?

3. Most music other than rock starts to loose it's appeal when played too loud. On a SPL meter, what db is that (ballpark)?

4. What about loud but not overly so... 80, 85, or what?

This is not a test. I just want to know for myself and others who may be interested. Any information that you guys may have on this subject will be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who answer.

-- Roy

markC · « **Reply #1 on:** 4 Mar 2005, 02:49 am »

#1 You've answered your own question with # 2. #3 Probably depends on the acustic surroundings supporting the playback/event. #4 This is an enjoyable sound level for listening to me. This is a personal comment, so it should be regaurded as such. I must admit, however, that I do listen at levels of 95 db+ from time to time.

Mag · « **Reply #2 on:** 4 Mar 2005, 03:17 am »

How loud is too loud? Read any authority on hearing and sound over 85 dbs for an extended time period you risk hearing damage. As for myself if my ears are ringing afterwards then it definitely was too loud. In my estimation too loud would be 100 dbs+ 'C' weighted, with headphones it may be less.
On average I listen to my system for upwards of 35 to 50 hrs a week between 90 to 97 dbs 'C' weighted, for the last few years. And my hearing is still fine. This is not to say I won't experience premature hearing loss as I get older.
The ideal volume for critical listening for me is approx. 95 db 'C' weighted. At this volume all instruments nuances can be distinguished clearly and tones are accurate. Above 95 decibels I feel the bass pressure on my ears.
Lesser volumes 85 dbs 'C' weighted for me is fine for relaxing or background music.
In my experience room acoustics has the biggest influence on how loud a system needs to be played.. The details I hear at 85 dbs in my current room would have been approx. 5 dbs more in my previous room.
Smoothness of a my system is also important. I doubt if I could listen for any where near the hours I do on a harsh or fatiguing system. Heck the tv at work I find irratating and it is no where near as loud as my at home volumes.

JLM · « **Reply #3 on:** 4 Mar 2005, 11:33 am »

roymail,

1. Healthcare folks say continually exposure to 85 dB or louder will result in permanent hearing loss and possible permanent pain.

2. Not a question.

3. IMO there is a time/spl/distortion limit after which listener fatigue produces an "overload" condition and everything sounds worse. This limit would be an individual case by case basis. Most interiors can also be overly pressurized to where you hear the room nearly as much as the speakers due to reflections and resonances.

4. This is a matter of personal taste and what others around you will tolerate, but I see no reason to playback louder than concert levels regardless of musical genre.

I'd recommend playing with a spl meter. You can quickly develop a good sense of "how loud is loud". Add test tones and you'll also find out how deep of bass your system is capable of reproducing as well as how good your high frequency hearing is.

Dan Banquer · « **Reply #4 on:** 5 Mar 2005, 12:40 pm »

A very typical listening level for most folks is an average of 80 db/spl at the listening position.
d.b.

JLM · « **Reply #5 on:** 6 Mar 2005, 03:14 am »

DB,

I agree, 80 dB is what most serious audiophile listening is done at. Less serious, about 75 dB. Casual listening 60 -70 dB.

Mag · « **Reply #6 on:** 6 Mar 2005, 06:42 am »

I counter that audiophiles who listen at 85 db or less for serious listening can't or are unable to listen at higher volumes do to enviroment circumstances. I have no such problem, and have yet to meet a audiophile in my neck of the woods so I don't know what normal would be, perhaps I'm a fanatic.
Do you think anybody has actually done a test on whether 'music' played on a 'hi-fi'system between 85-100 db 'c' weighted does equal damage to every day sounds of equivolent levels? No, who would volunteer, and all doctors want to appear credible on a subject they have no information on.
As for listening fatigue, I experienced this approx. 2 years ago. But am no longer bothered by it unless I'm tired to begin a session. And can therefore listen for up to 8 hours at time without feeling strain. And if one is hearing room interactions at these volumes than you have acoustic problems.
I am not saying I am not damaging my ears, time will tell but I don't believe I am at these levels with my system. With music being as subjective as it and no two people having the same listening conditions. Then it would be prudent to follow decibel guidlines.

jselectro · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Mar 2005, 12:55 am »

You may find my post in "How Much Power do you Really Need?" Informative.
The links I refer to discuss some of this info. Remember hearing damage is done by continued exposure to sustained high db levels. Frequency of the levels matter too (the old Fletcher-Munson Curve). Music varies in both frequency and level. Rule of ear: if you ears ring at home its TOO LOUD! and remember to wear hearing protection at rock concerts.
Hope this helps.

roymail · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Mar 2005, 02:19 am »

Thanks guys for all your views and ideas on this very subject topic. I have lots more information than when I first posted the questions. I appreciate your help. This is what audiocircle is all about.

-- Roy