2. amps-preamps
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How loud in DB, Is "cranking it"

Gents;

i just just got a new amp and was Playing my 87 db efficient speakers( Thiel)

My speakers 8 ft apart and I sit 9ft back

I was just playing my amp at "30 watts class A" and I heard 97 db at listening seat.
I normally listen at 70-75 db

I was told the Xa30.5 might not have enough power! In my questions to Audiogon

To me it's WAY more than I need......no issues here. If my amp is considered underpowered, You guys must be nuts!!
lol

So; the question:. 

How loud is " crankin it" for you guys
and
How loud do you normally listen?

frozentundra
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/loudness.html

cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,606 posts
 
On a properly set up system, you can (and, I do) listen as high a volume level as you want.  I listen at concert levels and it is not deafening.  Nice, detailed, dynamic and definitely CRANKED but musical, not loud.  Noise is loud.  Loud, to me, is not a pleasant adjective.  
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
frozentundra - 
My seated distance to speakers is similar to yours.  
Loud to me is 85 - 90 dB; over 90 db seems very loud.
Normal listening levels are in the range of 80 - 85 db using a Radio Shack SPL Meter set to Slow response and  'C' weighting.  See link for anyone unfamiliar with it.

http://support.radioshack.com/support_audio/doc72/72441.pdf


czarivey
4,494 posts
 
30 Watts in class A. 
I bet it goes to AB past that.
eniac26
95 posts
 
I don't like to play games so for me normal level is 93db or so and a typical Fri/Sat night jam session runs up to 110-112db on peaks. I'd go higher if I thought I could get away with the neighbors not knocking on the door. They should probably be thankful I have not purchased a sub just for that reason.

I'm guessing that those who are able to enjoy listening at under 80db must have a very quiet noise floor in the room to begin with or have very sensitive hearing.

The noise floor in my room is quite high though in general. Using REW I measure a constant 50-55db at all times without a peep from anything else taking place. 116yr old house, no insulation, about 30ft off a a busy street.
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