• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Do you use loudness?

Do you use loudness modifier?

  • Definetly yes!

  • Hell no!

  • It depends...

Results are only viewable after voting.
I used the variable loudness on my Mcintosh 4100 on my office rig. Last week the Mac got replaced by a new class d integrated. There's no loudness button on the Fosi amp and I don't feel that one is needed as there's more bass running flat than I got from the vintage Mac using the loudness.
 
My old Denon pre-amp had a variable loudness function. I may have tried it out once but I can't say that I ever used it.
My current Adcom pre-amp doesn't have a loudness function.

So my answer is "no" as opposed to "hell no".
 
My main system doesn't have one.

My garage system does and I'll use it when the volume is very low. At medium volume I use the tone controls as I find the loudness adds a little to much emphasis to some areas.
 
I have a very simple system Streamer -> BabyfacePro as DAC -> Poweramp. And indeed on quieter listening, that I'm doing 95% of time in my apartment, loudness becomes helpful.

I have couple of integrated amps with loudness button but it's often too much or boomy or something not quite right. Better just adjusting bass and treble in preamp section.

But what I ended up doing was adding an actual variable loudness with selectable curves into DSP section of my streamer. So now I can adjust it by actual db in the room and must say - it sounds very nice.

loudness.png
 
A guy — I think he was an audio salesman :idea: — once told me a long time ago that using the LOUDNESS button will incur the ultimate wrath of the Great Audio Gods. And those Gods will banish you from the halls of audiophile Valhalla.

Or something like that.

SWEATING (SMALLEST 1).jpg
 
Last edited:
For me, it depends on whether it's a one-size-fits-all button, then the answer is usually no. If it has a variable loudness dial that I can fine tune, then absolutely yes. If it has no loudness at all, then I'll add some using a mastering processor to get closer to a Fletcher-Munson curve.
 
Usually? I never did / do use loudness / contour / or presence circuits / settings. Unless it is for very low volume during laying in bed (night time ) type listening. So yes; lately I do use it a lot due to circumstances! But on louder volumes I never did or do. Because I don't like how that sounds. Not on this gear, not on all other gear I've owned.
 
Last edited:
On the systems that actually have a loudness button (661, 881, AU-217) it may get engaged when listening at low levels. These three systems are not used for critical listening, just garage / background music. Never when volume knob is above 1/4 turn.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom