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paranoid listener-damaging speakers?

I am one of those guys who is always wondering if he is listening too loud for his speakers capability. my system briefly consists of a prima luna prologue 2 integrated, custom eton 2 way speakers with a silk dome tweeter and 8 inch midrange, with a mhdt labs constantine dac. my room is 15x12 feet roughly. i listen about 6 feet away.
I like to listen at a level where i can feel the bass and midbass and feel that the speakers are loud enough to recreate their original acoustic on the recording. is there a rough guide to know if i am listening too loud without a meter? i will occasinally think i hear some distortion on loud passages, but it may be on the recording, i may just be paranoid? advice please? thanks.
djwilbourn
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
"If it's too loud, you're too old!!"

No really, if there is no clipping/distortion you should be fine. I have a very large room and I have not idea what level's I listen at, but, I know we cannot talk to each other in the room while the music is on.

The louder, the better. Well, as long as you don't hurt your hearing.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Well, I forgot to say, if there is distortion I agree you either need more power from an amp, or if you love your amp, more efficient speakers. I love the Tannoy and Klipsch Heritage sound with tubes!!
djwilbourn OP
42 posts
 
so when i get this spl meter; any tips on how to correctly do the measuring? from the listening chair? at 1 meter from 1 speaker? thanks
musicnoise
377 posts
 
Specs for speakers are usually given at 1 meter from the speaker. As to your ears - the listening position.
djwilbourn OP
42 posts
 
Well guys i got that spl meter and did some measuring mostly at the listening position (6 feet away). my peaks seem to average in the low 80's db. does this sound reasonable for my speakers 8" two way floorstanders? i just want to be slightly conservative on driving these as i like the sound of them and want to keep them damage free. thanks for all the input thus far.
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