In fact, a difference of 0.5 dB is not detectable as an increase or decrease in loudness. By definition, a 1-dB difference is the smallest difference we hear as an increase or decrease in loudness, and it's hard to hear.
You are quite correct in stating that a 0.5-dB difference is heard as a change in the quality of the sound, not as a volume difference.
Alan
So it will remain a mystery to me why the new interconnect has improved the VP-160 quality dramatically as well as loudness (or perceived loudness). I was using a sub-standard cable before this. In any case, I'm pretty happy right now.
