Quote:
Originally Posted by
sonitus mirus 
Our experiences might be the same, but I think I just did a poor job of expressing my point. In the vertical position, the volume pot on my Nuforce does not make any sound until about the 8:30 clock position, and the left and right channels are not equal until about the 9 o'clock position. And for the loudness, most of the increase is found up until around 11-12 o'clock, and any increase in volume beyond this point does not really make a significant increase in the sound level, especially with the lower frequencies. I normally listen at the lowest possible level where both channels are even, and this amp is plenty loud enough for me, just something I observed.
It seems that an overwhelming majority of the volume increase can be found in the first section of the volume pot's movement, and the impact is significantly reduced the more it is turned. I only raise the volume to about 10-11 for very short periods of time, and I simply noticed that I could increase the level with no real impact on the sound level after a specific point with my headphones.
I had measured this recently but don't remember all the numbers perfectly but you'll get the rough idea. Considering full volume as 0db attenuation, the lowest volume had around 80db of attenuation. From the lowest volume to about 8:30 where the volume just begins changing, it is around 80db attenuation the whole time. From 8:30-9 where the channels equalize and the volume ramps up fast, around the 9 o'clock level it is around 40db of attenuation. So that tiny turn has a 40 db change in volume. It's hard to get a precise volume in there because there is a 40 db swing in a very short stroke, but the bigger problem is the channel is imbalanced in that range anyway. So the real volume control appears after that point and is where most people use it. There is a 40 db swing between 9 o'clock and full output. I do remember there was still more of a change in the first half of that last 40 db than the last half, but this is where I'm a bit fuzzy about how the breakdown was.
Anyway, I agree with you that my listening volume for most of my headphones is right when the channels equalize. It is actually too loud with some things, and I can adjust upwards for other recordings that are much quieter. It's way too loud for IEM use in all cases. If only the attenuation was linear all the way through it would be nice, but I think analog volume pots all have their limitations.
I don't doubt turning up the volume more is actually raising the volume, but I think our ears start adjusting to it and loud sounds loud no matter how much louder it is. But those peaks hurt more when it's louder even though the overall volume may not sound much louder.
