Does It have to be loud?

I’d opine the whole phenomenon of distortion increasing with volume is more mysterious than anyone gives it credit for. There is no reason why distortion should increase since for all intent and purposes the SNR remains the same as the volume is turned up. Obviously driving the system behind it’s capability, for example clipping, is not what I’m referring to. Amplifiers and speakers are linear devices so there is no reason why distortion should rise with volume. Yet all systems exhibit this phenomenon. That’s why people complain of fatigue and harshness at higher than moderate volume. But it’s not the speakers and it’s not the electronics. It’s something else. Something very mysterious. 😳

@gdhal

Since you have a dB SPL meter it is a very simple matter to check your own speakers.

Keep cranking it until you get the meter reflecting sustained levels at 115 db SPL. If it sounds clear and clean and undistorted (but obviously very loud) then you can be assured the speakers are fully capable.

A great test track is the Sheffield labs drum track CD with track 1 - this is quite a good workout for a speaker as it is highly dynamic and also broad in frequency response (bass as well as mid range and tweeter are all heavily used).

I would suggest that you use a simple formula to estimate if your speakers are producing a combined at 115 db SPL at 1 meter. At your listening position the SPL meter should read 112 db SPL at 2 meters from speakers and 109 db SPL at 4 meters back. Since sound is dynamic you can expect the meter to only stay at such a sustained high level during drum rolls for a couple of seconds.

Of course you should never listen at these levels on a continous basis.

@geoffkait 

Nothing mysterious - all speakers distort terribly and very quickly. This is why pro monitoring gear used as main monitors in high end studios is so very expensive. This is why PA speakers in your local bar go loud but sound awful. Getting loud clean distortion free sound is a significant engineering hurdle and a costly manufacturing effort too. The diminishing returns are incredible - each extra 3 db in distortion free loudness capability pretty much DOUBLES your costs.

Keep cranking it until you get the meter reflecting sustained levels at 115 db SPL. If it sounds clear and clean and undistorted (but obviously very loud) then you can be assured the speakers are fully capable.

I’ll pass on that :)

What I stated is that on the basis of my speakers rated (manufacturer specs) sensitivity and power handling capability, they can produce over 115 db. Besides, even if my speakers cannot attain that decibel level, I would still consider them "fully capable" because that level is a bit unrealistic.

Additionally, I live in a coop. I do make an attempt to show some respect towards others. My neighbors already endure the fact that most of time (I listen 3 hours per day) I listen to Grateful Dead, which sounds realistic from a live concert perspective topping off around 95 db, often even lower. On lessor occasions I’ll listen to Nirvana, AC/DC, Deep Purple and a hand full of other select choices that "warrant" playing at louder (compared to many other bands) levels. Even in those cases I’ll top out in the low 100s.

EDIT:

And if I'm not mistaken, 115 db is "dangerous to the health of ones ears" if sustained for an undo length of time. 

This needs a new post as opposed to editing my previous post.....

At the moment I’m on my "set break" during my listening session of the incredible Leonard Cohen. Specifically, I’m listening to 7/9/85, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland. Now for those familiar with his music, surely you’d agree that typically, a volume level of 85 db is plenty "realistic".

That said, there are times/occasions where I just get the right "vibe"....

If you want to toe tap, head bob and essentially get up and dance, I’d recommend two songs from this show: "there is a war" and "lover, lover, lover". They sound amazing in the mid 90s (db). Trust me! :)

EDIT:

So the point I'm attempting to make here is that often it's not simply the genre or artist, but the specific song and ones own state-of-mind at the time you're listening that governs the volume control.