[hehe]

I have a hd580 on a soundblaster live and i am using windows 2000 (dont know if this makes any difference).
Does anyone know what dB this gets when i set both the windows and mediaplayer volume setting at the highest?
I tried it for a while and my ears hurt, they still hurt a little after 3hours now.
I also tested on a site to see what level i usually listen on and its -15dB, i think i should probably listen to lower levels but the problem is it is much better at higher levels

I think the recommended level is 80dB to avoid hearing damage?
I think i might be 10+ over this when using my -15 setting.

 

[Ayreonaut]

Go to RadioShack and buy an SPL meter. Wrap your index finger and thumb around the mic and press the headphone to it to get a seal. It's not perfect, but its close enough for measureing approximate listening levels.

 

[hehe]

I dont think a soundmeter is cheap anough

I just expected some people to know these things.

 

[iancraig10]

Take one ear off and listen to someone talking to you. If they (sort of) match in volume, then it is probably a safe level.

Aim a low volumes with just enough presence for music to satisfy you. Tinnitus is not nice and improper use will ultimately do something to your ears.

Relying on a machine to try and work it out and remember the level for future reference doesn't work. For instance is 90db from a rock band (with all that bass) as loud (subjectively) as a symphony orchestra at 90db? How can you tell?

The real answer is learn to judge and be careful.

Ian (a tinnitus sufferer!)

 

[raisin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hehe I dont think a soundmeter is cheap anough I just expected some people to know these things.

Radio Shack SPL meter is 30-40 dollars.

 

[Skylab]

Spend the money on an SPL meter. It's a good investment at $40, since it can mean ensuring you'll still be able to hear your great headphones in a few years.

Keeping it at 80db or under is a good idea. I have my various amp/headphone combos calibrated to be right at 80dbA with the loudest music I play.

 

[angler31337]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hehe I just expected some people to know these things.

There are just too many factors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hehe I tried it for a while and my ears hurt, they still hurt a little after 3hours now. I also tested on a site to see what level i usually listen on and its -15dB, i think i should probably listen to lower levels but the problem is it is much better at higher levels

Extended discomfort is a bad thing. You really do not want to continue listening at that level or you run a serious risk of developing permanent hearing damage. If you want additional clarity and dynamics at lower volumes, you're going to need to invest in a dedicated headphone amp--the 580s really were not meant to be run out of the headphone-out on a SB-live. If you want, we could suggest some reasonably cheap headphone amps...

-Angler

 

[GreatDane]

Here ya go

 

[familyman]

sweet... is that reading 92db?

 

[Frip]

That picture is frigin hilarious. We must be the wierdest people in the world.

 

[GreatDane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by familyman sweet... is that reading 92db?

correct. I don't listen that loud very often, I try to keep it under 85(peak)...although the DT-880 can handle that volume(90+) as still sound sweet.

 

[familyman]

i have to get one of those!

 

[hehe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreatDane correct. I don't listen that loud very often, I try to keep it under 85(peak)...although the DT-880 can handle that volume(90+) as still sound sweet.

Is that 92 the maximum your computer can do?
Are both the windows setting and the player at the highest?
I would expect it to be much higher.

 

[hehe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by angler31337 If you want additional clarity and dynamics at lower volumes, you're going to need to invest in a dedicated headphone amp--the 580s really were not meant to be run out of the headphone-out on a SB-live. If you want, we could suggest some reasonably cheap headphone amps... -Angler

I am very sceptical about amps, i would have to know exactly how they work (why they should improve the sound) and the full spec of the amp (to know they are worth the price) before i would feel comfortable buying one.
Another reason i rather not get one is that no large company seems to make them, they all seem to be made in someone's garrage.
If a company like sennheiser would make them i would trust it more.

I do think my headphones might sound better on the cheap hifi downstairs than on my computer, but im not even sure if im not imagining it.

Altough if i would eventualy decide i want to buy one i would want to use a system that i can connect digitally to my computer so i know it doesnt have any flaws from there.

 

[TheSloth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hehe I am very sceptical about amps, i would have to know exactly how they work (why they should improve the sound) and the full spec of the amp (to know they are worth the price) before i would feel comfortable buying one. Another reason i rather not get one is that no large company seems to make them, they all seem to be made in someone's garrage. If a company like sennheiser would make them i would trust it more. I do think my headphones might sound better on the cheap hifi downstairs than on my computer, but im not even sure if im not imagining it. Altough if i would eventualy decide i want to buy one i would want to use a system that i can connect digitally to my computer so i know it doesnt have any flaws from there.

Be careful of accidentally calling people who spend thousands of dollars on these products made in 'someone's garage' crazy

. You have yourself just admitted that you do not know, nor understand how and why amplifiers do what they do, so I would save your speculation until you answer your own question. I look forward to you reading throught all of the specs you are looking for, to find that both a $20 CMOY and a $14000 SDS-XLR both exhibit similar THD characteristics, and then coming back here and going, 'huh?'.

Regarding the size of companies making them, HeadRoom (www.headphone.com) is a $5 million dollar/year company that grows by about 20% each year. Are they big enough for you?

And just to further confuse you, some of the best, most accurate, wonderful sounding pieces of audio electronics of any kind have been imagined, designed and produced by 1 person in their garage...