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What is the sound level of Your Listening Room?

I am curious about what the sound level is at your listening position with your system turned off. I have checked mine and during the day it is about 43 dB and at 1:00 a.m. it can be as low as 28. I can improve the daytime level to 35 dB by turning off the refrigerators and air conditioner. What have you done to improve the sound level of your room?

I am considering adding a listening room to the back of my garage (wife is on board because she needs more storage space) and if you have made improvements that have reduced your ambient noise, please share them.
128x128baclagg
billzame
69 posts
 
Right now (9pm) the SPL in my living room (where I listen to music) is just under 40db.  The refrigerator is running; I could turn it off if I want to listen seriously.  The loudest outside noise is traffic (freeway about 1/4-1/2 mile away).  Double-paned windows would help.  
wolfie62
349 posts
 
This is a dumb thread. Unless your system is underpowered.
ghdprentice
6,363 posts
 
@wolfie62

Incorrect if you have a good system. The noise floor is critical in hearing nuances in most music.

Mine is 23… but I have to hold my breath. A breath takes it into the thirties. I would imagine late Sunday night at midnight I could find a bit lower… my favorite time to listen.

One of my favorite experiences at the symphony and listening at home is the slow trailing off of the orchestra when a piece intentionally drops off into the silence… there are the moments of near absolute silence as the harmonics decay into silence. It can be incredibly moving.
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
I built my room custom to ensure noise diminishment. With dehumidifier going outside the room and AC running, 23dB. When neither is running, 16dB. 

barts's avatar
barts
678 posts
 
I'm in the process of building the music room, lowest level on one side of a split-level on concrete but mostly above ground.  Reframed with 6" wood wall studs then sprayed with open-cell spray foam (all surfaces).
Then SAFB and finally Quiet Rock.  Empty room as it sits right now, save for a shop vac.  With the NIOSH app on my iphone I get 18dB.  This is with no rugs, curtains or acoustic treatment. Funny that at that level of quiet even a very slight stomach burble bounces the app up to around 21-23dB.
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