My main listening room is 33' x 14'. The noise floor in the room varies by time of day, but lets use 47 dB as an average. My typical listening level is between 75-85 dB. 10dB of overhead is a reasonable minimum. The system frequency response should be 30Hz to 18kHz. I actually prefer for bass below 50Hz to be shelved up 3-5dB from midrange levels.
SPL, Dynamics and bottom end
This is a roll-over from Twl's single driver thread entitled "okay, the gloves are off. Let the fur fly." If you haven't read that one, please check it out first and then report back here : )
What do you consider to be acceptable levels for the three following categories. Keep in mind that i'm talking about within the confines of YOUR listening area at YOUR seated listening position. These readings will be WAY different than the standard "1 meter" type of measurements that most test reports use as a reference.
Since we all have different size rooms with different acoustics, this is the only way to compare apples to apples. After all, a small speaker in a small room can have the same appr output levels that a big speaker can have in a big room ( in terms of spl's, etc...).
Please don't post results that only a "super system" could duplicate, as we all strive for that. As such, it would be senseless. I am talking about what you would find "acceptable" and consider capable of pleasing you in the real world using "non mega dollar" equipment.
SPL: this would be the "average" listening level. The volume that you would enjoy listening to your favorite recorded performance at while sitting at your seat.
Dynamics: peak spl level. In other words, how much louder should a crescendo be than the average of the entire recording ? Once again, measurements taken at your seat.
bottom end: cut-off frequency with reasonable output capacity. In other words, what COULD you live with in terms of low frequency output levels and extension ?
Keep in mind that i'm looking for specific numbers here. If you don't have an spl meter or have never taken measurements of your system, i encourage you to do so. It is TRULY an eye and ear opening experience. Besides, an analogue spl meter from Rat Shack is pretty cheap and can tell you GOBS of information about your system once you learn how to use it.
I've got to put one of my systems back together again, but once i do, i'm going to take measurements and i'll post the readings.
To keep things "level" and give us all an idea of where everyone else is coming from, it would be great if we could all use the same recording(s) as a baseline. Any ideas or suggestions ? Sean
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What do you consider to be acceptable levels for the three following categories. Keep in mind that i'm talking about within the confines of YOUR listening area at YOUR seated listening position. These readings will be WAY different than the standard "1 meter" type of measurements that most test reports use as a reference.
Since we all have different size rooms with different acoustics, this is the only way to compare apples to apples. After all, a small speaker in a small room can have the same appr output levels that a big speaker can have in a big room ( in terms of spl's, etc...).
Please don't post results that only a "super system" could duplicate, as we all strive for that. As such, it would be senseless. I am talking about what you would find "acceptable" and consider capable of pleasing you in the real world using "non mega dollar" equipment.
SPL: this would be the "average" listening level. The volume that you would enjoy listening to your favorite recorded performance at while sitting at your seat.
Dynamics: peak spl level. In other words, how much louder should a crescendo be than the average of the entire recording ? Once again, measurements taken at your seat.
bottom end: cut-off frequency with reasonable output capacity. In other words, what COULD you live with in terms of low frequency output levels and extension ?
Keep in mind that i'm looking for specific numbers here. If you don't have an spl meter or have never taken measurements of your system, i encourage you to do so. It is TRULY an eye and ear opening experience. Besides, an analogue spl meter from Rat Shack is pretty cheap and can tell you GOBS of information about your system once you learn how to use it.
I've got to put one of my systems back together again, but once i do, i'm going to take measurements and i'll post the readings.
To keep things "level" and give us all an idea of where everyone else is coming from, it would be great if we could all use the same recording(s) as a baseline. Any ideas or suggestions ? Sean
>
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- 4 posts total