Originally Posted By: smaggard
Thanks John,
I guess I was thrown off since I keep reading about people watching at reference level, but now I wonder are people actually sitting around watching movies at 105db? I assume not now since you pointed out that most people don't turn the dial up to 0db. Thanks again for your insights I'm new to this hi end stuff since I've been suffering with my wifes old BlOSE lifestyle system for he past 10 yeas! Lol

Originally Posted By: JohnK
Scott, there you go; actual measurements indicate that, if anything, some of your music listening is a bit on the high side. Using an average level much above 80dB isn't a good idea.

This also raises the possibility that if your movie sound level measures significantly louder than the music it should be dropped to -10 or so.


With a typical receiver and most speakers you will not reach those types of SPL levels you are referencing. When reading about achieving those types of reference levels with a receiver pay special attention to the speakers they are using. Those people probably own a speaker that is designed specifically for high sensitivity/SPL applications. These speakers usually employ a horn loaded compression driver which allow for higher efficiency compared to standard direct radiating speakers.

I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.

-Max Payne