While sitting in the best sweet spot, I use a analog sound level meter to set the source listening volume around 80 dB's with 86-92 dB peaks. (I have 15" drivers in each front and L/R surround channel, and two 12's in the center - 80dB's is very adequate for me in my listening room as a comfortable baseline).
This SLM method provides a consistent, reproducible, measurable reference standard. As I'm listening, I move my head (ears) around to search for the most lush, open air and balanced tones. It changes with slight head movements to compensate for my ears - should they be completely clear or a bit stopped-up. Tilted forward or slightly downward, slightly more bass and mid-bass is captured. Tilted up towards the ceiling, the trebles and mids open up. In between, it's pure musical neutrality. I usually find tilting my head back to about 45 degrees towards the ceiling, and slowly rotating my ears from left to right (while exploring through a performances tonal balances), the best immersed listening experience. This is true for all modes - 2-channel, L/R Surround and mulit-channel SACD/DVD-Audio. It likely resembles a blind listener/musician.
This SLM method provides a consistent, reproducible, measurable reference standard. As I'm listening, I move my head (ears) around to search for the most lush, open air and balanced tones. It changes with slight head movements to compensate for my ears - should they be completely clear or a bit stopped-up. Tilted forward or slightly downward, slightly more bass and mid-bass is captured. Tilted up towards the ceiling, the trebles and mids open up. In between, it's pure musical neutrality. I usually find tilting my head back to about 45 degrees towards the ceiling, and slowly rotating my ears from left to right (while exploring through a performances tonal balances), the best immersed listening experience. This is true for all modes - 2-channel, L/R Surround and mulit-channel SACD/DVD-Audio. It likely resembles a blind listener/musician.