Do sennheisers save your hearing?

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by markl However, it's simply playing too LOUD that is the major issue, not the kind or model of headphones you wear.

This is the bottom line. What your ears don't like are long exposure to SPL levels that are too high. Turn it down, and take breaks, and you'll have no issues.

My biggest concern with IEM's is there is no way for me to measure the SPL's. With all of my full-sized headphones, this is easy, and I have done it to ensure safe listening levels.

 

[GanChan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab This is the bottom line. What your ears don't like are long exposure to SPL levels that are too high. Turn it down, and take breaks, and you'll have no issues. My biggest concern with IEM's is there is no way for me to measure the SPL's. With all of my full-sized headphones, this is easy, and I have done it to ensure safe listening levels.

Can't you just place one of the earpieces against an SPL meter and get a reading?

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GanChan Can't you just place one of the earpieces against an SPL meter and get a reading?

With an IEM? No. This will not work at all. Even with a full-sized can, you have to use something to couple the SPL meter's mic to the headphone cup (I use a drilled hockey puck, but think cardboard is fine). Sticking an IEM up to the meter will NOT give you any indication of what the volume level would be like in your ear canal.

 

[kramer5150]

I find myself much more likely to turn up the volume with my HD580, than with any of my other more aggressive / dynamic cans.

Low volume, amped listening is the way to go IMHO.

I for one would prefer a dynamic headphone / amplifier combo at VERY low volumes compared to a more tame / subdued headphone played at louder volumes in an effort to increase dynamic impact.

Garrett

 

[Falgor]

Sony Minidisc players (and probably other players, too) have this "AVLS" option. I think it stands for Automatic Volume Limiter System or something.
It should protect your ears. So all you have to do is buy a sony MD-player

.

 

[midlife]

I find my Senn 580's sound much better at a louder volume level that I'm prepared to listen to for any length of time. My Grado 325i and Senn 25-1's are better for lower volume listening. It's kind of like the loudness button on some amps/receivers. They just boost the lower and higher frequencies to compensate for lower listening volumes.

 

[Miller-8]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick82 With Sennheiser you can go up in volume without it being fatiguing. This will damage your hearing without you knowing it.

Higher frequencies are worse for your ears though.

 

[Leporello]

Turn it down, guys. I usually try to listen at levels which initially sound too low. After a couple of minutes I get used to that level and turn it even lower. Not only does it save my ears, it also sounds better!


Regards,

L.

 

[JohanK]

The best way to measure the sound level in an IEM is probably to compare it with a full size headphone with a similar sound signature. It relies on that you manage to play them on the same level, but what else can you do?

 

[MTL]

Back to the original question, for me, the opposite is true. Only when I listen to my Senns (HD650) I tend to listen too loud (that is compared to Alessandro's MSpro and MS2i or the AKG 501) in order too really hear through the mix. Always feel a little deaf afterwards... (which is why I try to avoid the 650s and only use them occasionally). Don't have any problems with the HD25-1 though.

 

[Miller-8]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTL Back to the original question, for me, the opposite is true. Only when I listen to my Senns (HD650) I tend to listen too loud (that is compared to Alessandro's MSpro and MS2i or the AKG 501) in order too really hear through the mix. Always feel a little deaf afterwards... (which is why I try to avoid the 650s and only use them occasionally). Don't have any problems with the HD25-1 though.

Ah, the trick with HD650s is to start off listening at a level that seems a bit too low, you will notice that your ears become accustomed to it quite quickly.