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

Alan Lofft,
Axiom Resident Expert (Retired)