Do you use the 'loudness' feature on your rcvr/amp?

[vsat88]

On a receiver sometimes yes, on separates no.

 

[KEB]

On a receiver sometimes yes, on separates no.

What's the difference? I mean that as a serious question. Read nothing between the lines because there is none.

 

[vsat88]

I have no clue. Wish I did . All I know is this. I usually use separates. My friend likes receivers. He likes using the loudness control on his receivers. I never used mine because I never really liked the sound with it on. Over time and us hanging around listening to and working on stuff we have discussed it. When I listen to his equipment and to mine (if I happen to be running a receiver at the time that is) I seem to like the loudness control on some of the receivers turned on but I still do not like the sound as much with the loudness on on my preamp amp combos. May just be that I really do not run any other preamps besides the Kenwood C2 and C1's. Many have said they do not like the Kenwood Basic C2's loudness button switched on. My friend seems to think that most receivers turn up louder more quickly with the same increment of volume on the knob than a pre amp amp combo do. I suppose that may be so but I still do not see how that would affect the loudness effect. I would also add that I really do not use the bass/treble/ or loudness buttons. Just feel no need.

 

[KEB]

I have never really liked it. I do often play at moderate to low volumes. Wife and grandkids... I try, but never spend more than a few moments in loudness mode. I suspect some units do it better than others.

 

[detroit99]

Yes at low volume levels, which for my condo-dwelling ass, is almost always . Although, I do occasionally sneak home at lunch from work and crank it up for about 45 mins It works out well because I think most of my neighbors are at work or school or wherever...although i was pulling out of our parking lot once just as a police car was pulling in...not exactly sure why he was there but have an idea

 

[Hobie1dog]

I sure miss my loudness control on my NAD 7133, my small speakers kicked a$$ with it.

 

[vsat88]

Here is what Frank Zappa said.

 

[nolasally]

I use it when the volume is below 9 o'clock position.

 

[Yardbomber]

I use it along with the EQ as I like to feel the music when I play CD's/Tapes/tablet.

 

[kyrie59]

No, most of my stuff doesn't have loudness, but the few that do, rarely get used. My Denon PRA1000 In the main system doesn't have it.

 

[Hoewieloewie]

Always.

 

[BOUXY]

Here is what Frank Zappa said.View attachment 1783912

And ya Frank Zappa should know?

 

[j!m]

I use it on my Panasonic RX-F35 boom box in work. I’m usually listening at lower levels and it sounds “flatter” that way. Source is cassettes I make from digital source so I know exactly how they should sound. The tuner works great but I never use it.

The box sits on my right and not in front of me with tweeters at ear level... not critical listening (but perhaps critical to my sanity)

It’s a great boom box and if you want/need one and can find one that works (for less than $300) I strongly suggest grabbing it.

it was originally designed to record to metal tapes (and type-I only- no type II option??) but I had ESL hot rod it so it records type I and type II only since I never record with it (though my original one from the 80’s was a great room recorder on type I and II tapes) and, type IV and II use the same playback EQ anyway, so if I play a metal, it has the correct EQ applied.

TMI but I love the thing.

 

[Guy Arnold]

On occasion. Most recording don't need it.

 

[ColinP]

System currently in use: Tannoy HPD 315's in Lockwood cabinets, vintage recapped Sansui 6 receiver used as preamp supplying a PrimaLuna 5 power amp in a dedicated music room with sound absorbers and bass traps. Loudness button ON. The bass rocks, the treble is sweet, the mids are clear. Without the loudness button engaged the sound is flat, dull and lifeless.

 

[Alanthefuxer]

NO....., no button! Quad 44/405 2 (or 606) played with tone controls flat and rarely altered. Sounds fine to me like that or am I just used to it? Tannoy DC10Ts have plenty of what I want.
Recently temporarily used Creek 60-60 and got a fair difference in sound, unexpectedly.
Seemed on some tracks bass was accentuated in comparison and a rather 'uncomfortable' mid/treble was headache-inducing, and that was without the loudness there either. I had no inducement to use loudness even at low volumes when I did have access to it on the Creek. Lovely budget amp the Creek btw!

 

[ILikeRecords]

I honestly think I've only switched it on 2 or 3 times and within seconds switched back. Not a fan of the "loudness" feature in preamps.

 

[Erric]

Yep, it's always on. I am forced to listen at lower volumes where I live and the loudness offers a nice little boost to the sound. I don't lose any of the warmth either.

 

[Hoewieloewie]

Yes, when it is available, I always switch it on.