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I want to re-introduce this subject.

I couldn't find it, so I will re-introduce this subject. Why is cd so volume dependent? This doesn't necessarily have to do with cd, as I'm interested in volume in general. Basically, I was attacked(or directed to) in the area of my preamp-which could have an effect. I just think, especially after understanding that many times there are many mikes involved, that what I have to say has some validity-no matter what my preamp is. Some of the questions I have have has to do with remote volume controls. Are they as accurate as the normal potentiometers? I say this because I changed the volume for a Jim Carrol cd, and it took me over a week to dial in the correct volume for most cd's-which is different than my volume for lp play. Come-on guys, this is too much work! Any help here would be appreciated.
mmakshak
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albertporter
4,927 posts
 
I appear to be the only respondent to this thread that's LP set up plays louder than CD. When my CD player is set for 15 out of 46 available clicks of volume, it is about equal to my LP rig at 4 clicks.

My cartridge is only .2 MV but the phono stage is capable of 80 DB of gain. The Line stage applies an additional 20 DB gain.

So, cartridge with .2 MV and 80 DB of gain plus 20 DB more in preamp, is louder than CD (1 volt output) into 20 DB of gain.

That aside, I don't think my experience is the reason this thread was started. I think the original poster is frustrated at the vast differences in output level among different recording artists, labels and types of music.

Good example, The Red Hot Chili Peppers album, "By the Way" is recorded WAY hotter than Brad Mehldau, "Live in Tokyo."

(Big surprise).
mmakshak OP
583 posts
 
Thanks for all the ideas/help given. I don't have a remote, so volume involves a little more. I guess that I'm satisified with one volume that plays most cd's okay. My lp setup requires a much higher volume than cd, also. Do remotes have the same or better resolution of volume that a volume control has? I did listen to an Audio Research Ref 3 with remote. The volume actually seemed to push the sound further away when it was lowered. Since volume is so critical to me or my system, I'm asking this question before I buy a new preamp.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
A different preamp will not change the fact that all CDs are recorded at different levels. The result when playing your CDs will be the same.
exlibris
392 posts
 
This isn't a problem that can be corrected by adjusting your volume control.
'Hot' recordings (i.e. compressed) sound offensive at any level and one is forced to play them at low volume levels. With properly mastered recordings one can seemingly turn up the volume forever without being 'attacked' by the music.
I just purchased BUILT TO SPILL's "YOU IN REVERSE" on CD and it is so 'hot' that it is virtually unlistenable.
A double LP version is planned but I don't want to waste another $17 just to have this poorly mastered album in a different format. What are the chances that the record will be completely re-mastered for the vinyl release?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I'm not certain Mmakshak's volume issue has to do with hot recordings (overmodulated...especially in the upper mids). Perhaps he can clear this up. I do understand the issues of hot CDs (they are rare in my collection), and CDs released with volume levels different from disc to disc. These are separate problems...the latter not really being a problem, but rather a nuisance.
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