[crumpler]

There are quite a number of free SPL meters for the iPhone just in case anyone is wondering!

 

[Exediron]

With my current settings, 65-68 DB (c-weighted) average depending on the song.
 
I have Foobar set to -7 DB right now, but I don't usually have it set any higher than -5 DB. The Lavry is at 56 (maximum) and the GS1 is at about 8:15 o'clock. I suppose that qualifies for low-level listening around here. Occasionally, I rack it up to 75 or 80 decibels for a quick burst of fun, but I don't keep that up for long.

 

[Confispect]

You guys are weird blow your eardrums up!

 

[jbluzb86]

50 db for sansa clip

 

[Skylab]

50 dB, in most domestic homes, will not even really be audible above the background noise.  That's assuming we are talking about 50 dB MEASURED, and not "reported" by a player...

 

[crumpler]

 
Agreed. Even in the wee hours of the morning here in Singapore, with the windows and doors of my room closed, i can only manage a 55dB. But it must be noted that Singapore is pretty much a noisy city all through the night as well.
 
Quote:

50 dB, in most domestic homes, will not even really be audible above the background noise.  That's assuming we are talking about 50 dB MEASURED, and not "reported" by a player...

 

[Exediron]

Quote:

50 dB, in most domestic homes, will not even really be audible above the background noise.  That's assuming we are talking about 50 dB MEASURED, and not "reported" by a player...

My sister usually listens at a measured 56-58 decibels, but I think that's really quiet.The ambient noise in front of my computer measures at 50-51 DB, but since I'm using a meter that doesn't calibrate properly below 60 DB there's room for error in that.

 

[jackskelly]

I bought a decibel meter (about $90) to do some testing and it appears I like to listen to 75 - 85 dBs with my Stax SR-009 and Cavalli Liquid Lightning (placing the meter between the ear cups close to where my ear would be). I certainly can listen higher but I've learned that it's best to be conservative most of the time while listening, especially if you're listening for long periods of time.

 

[xkonfuzed]

Measured using an SPL meter, around 45-55 decibels..the loudest I can go was 85db.

 

[Skylab]

No offense but I don't think you measured correctly. 45-50 dB would barely be audible over the steady state background ambient noise level of most homes. To get a quieter background you would need to do some soundproofing.

 

[jackskelly]

I was thinking some similar to Skylab's comment. 45-55 normal listening with 85 as the loudest it will go seems strange. What headphones are you mesasuring and how are you measuring them?
 
The device I bought for measuring is from Extech:
 
http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=18&prodid=233

 

[Exediron]

If you're sticking a decibel meter into your headphones, remember to get a good seal with the earpads - otherwise it'll always read too low. The difference is worth maybe 5 db based on my own (limited) testing. It's probably more with headphones that have a strong seal, such as my DT770s, than it would be with some others.

 

[Hawaiibadboy]

110dB average.

 

[Skylab]

110dB average.

So on the other hand...

If that's accurate, you're not going to need good headphones for very long, and you're permanently damaging your hearing at this level if you listen for more than a few minutes per day.

 

[xkonfuzed]

Measured it well this time, got a good seal and a quiet environment. I actually pressed the cushions against each other so it becomes more realistic. I'm using the Beyer DT880's btw. I'm averaging 65-70db, that's still safe, right?