[mcbiff]

I know this is hard to compare, but I'd just like to get an estimate so that I'm not listening too loud. On my Panasonic 570 (2x9mw@16ohms I believe) I have the volume somewhere between 1 and 1.5 out of 10. On my Headmaster I usually have them somewhere at 5-10% or below. Is this too much?

 

[Peddler]

I normally listen to my music at fairly high levels on most phones. I have found that the Etymotics do allow me to listen at far lower volumes than any others though. I certainly wouldn't be too concerned about the levels that you listen at - I have the Panasonic 570 and regularly listen to the Ety's at levels far higher than yours.

I have found that with the Ety's you can start listening at low levels and then gently ramp the volume up until you find the right 'sound'. I would recommend that you don't particularly focus on what 'number' you are on - trust your ears!

It's fair to say that the Etymotics have the potential to save your ears from too much abuse of loud music - even headbangers like me can enjoy music at much lower volumes with them.

Perhaps they should be given out free by our National Health Service as preventative medicine.