[akart]

Here is an article I recently came across in the NY Times pertaining to this discussion:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/magazine/09FOB-medium-t.html

 

[monoethylene]

I definetely agree with your statement. Me too, I hear in most of the cases low level. As I mentioned it is normally to 10-11 or just the third light in high gain  (Concerto). IMO I like it more and the time when loud music was good music is over . But surely, I dont want to tell someone on which level hearing music is good. I think it really depends on the music itself and on the moods.

 

[Noumenon]

Quote:

I am not trying to play the wise person here - but just my humble opinion. Our ears will acclimate to higher listening levels quickly (just like the nose to strong odors). However, turning up the volume at this stage can lead to deleterious long term effects on hearing. Also, one of the problems being that the deterioration in hearing sensitivity is slow to progress and hence goes unnoticed until it is too late.
 
The contrary works too - if you listen at low levels, your ears will after some time, automatically adjust to the new sound level (provided your hearing is not already compromised).
 
One thumb rule to test hearing is to gently rub your thumb and index finger against each other, keeping level with the ear and from about 3-4 inches away. If you can hear the sounds, you are probably OK. If you cannot hear it at all, then you might want to get your hearing levels checked and stop listening to loud music. Also, before performing this, ear wax from the canal should be cleaned out.
 
HTH,
akart.
 

 
 
Thanks for those suggestions. I can hear the test you gave, thankfully. Yes, I really should only listen at lower volume for a while to see if this helps. Perhaps there is a difference between the Symphony and the Concerto wrt volume, though I don't think so.

 

[wuwhere]

I would try both hi and lo gain for SQ. And stick with the one that you prefer.

 

[jasonb]

on my amp with my HD650's i am on high gain and usually listen between the 9 and 11 o'clock area on the volume knob. i hear zero noise whatsoever.

 

[jdkJake]

The source being used will also drive the volume setting to a major degree. Some sources have a much lower output than others, thereby requiring more (or less) amplification to reach similar levels of volume.
 
Also keep in mind, depending upon the topology and design of the amplifier, the change in gain might also effect the response characteristic of the amplifier (for example, changing the overall amount of Negative Feedback being employed by the amplifier) and having a fairly significant effect on the sound.