listening volume?

I sit 16' away from my speakers, and I listen at 70-80 db at that distance..

Evening listening is similar to the OP, 65-70ish db’s.  When the wife is at work it’s 80-85db’s. Nothing crazy. 

@mlsstl wrote:

One item not discussed so far is whether the numbers people have mentioned above are "A" weighted or "C" weighted. "A" weighting mimics human hearing, which doesn't have a flat frequency response (lows and highs do not sound as loud as the midrange frequencies). "C" weighting is flat. This means when you are using a sound level meter to check full-range sound, the "C" weighting will give a much higher number than the same sound measured with "A" weighting. OSHA standards are based on "A" weighting. 

I have traditionally measured my volume using the "C" scale. For full-range music this can give a dB number that is 10 or more higher than the "A" scale.  My sound level meter lets me switch between "A" and "C" while my phone app doesn't indicate which it uses, but when compared to my meter the phone app appears to use a "C" scale.  Note that may vary with which app is used. 

This means that the 85 dB figure I mentioned may only show as 75 dB or less on the "A" scale when playing music with a lot of bass and high frequencies. As such, this is an important detail when looking at dB numbers. 

+1 

Relaxed mode late evenings I usually listen at an average 70-75dB's, C-weighted, whereas during my preferred listening sessions in the weekends pre/post noon the average levels sit about 10dB's higher, C-weighted as well.

Movies on Blu-ray's/4K UHD's can sport short burst peaks well above 100dB's, though with average levels sitting somewhat lower. The dynamic range (as well as the overall sonic prowess) in movies can be extraordinary and is a good way to test one's speakers with complex, true full range soundtracks that go places most recorded music material doesn't; we're talking brutal, all-out sonic assaults that deliver unimpeded dynamics, sometimes all the way down to below 20Hz at full tilt (if your subs can go that low in any meaningful way and preserve energy linearity, which very few sub setups can - certainly in typical audiophilia). My sub setup "only" does 20-25Hz at war volume, which to hardcore cinephiles is barely scratching the surface extension-wise. 

@bartsw wrote:

I love it when bass heads on other forums boast about their 130dB 10 feet washing machines. They're lying through their teeth. If they weren't they wouldn't be able to enjoy their audio, have mental related issues and wouldn't be preoccupied typing on the forum. What a waste of money.

To me the real takeaway with quality sub setups with a max. capacity approaching or even exceeding 125dB's isn't about an actual, fully used amplitude potential but rather having headroom in abundance (meaning: very low distortion) and a felt, enveloping experience that's wholly effortless/relaxed and smooth at every desired SPL. When you hear and appreciate that with your own ears (and body) there's no going back, I find. Yes, in my case it takes a pair of 20 cubic feet boxes that you refer to as washing machines, but as they say: the proof is in the eating of the pudding, and no - with subs small size isn't a trait; on the contrary. 

As to the guys flaunting 130dB levels from their sub behemoths I'm sure some of them are truthful in their claims, but being exposed to those levels on a regular basis isn't healthy. 

@phusis 

As to the guys flaunting 130dB levels from their sub behemoths I'm sure some of them are truthful in their claims, but being exposed to those levels on a regular basis isn't healthy.

Post #10 from hilde45. 120dB is immediate risk. Even with headroom of 110dB, assuming avg of 95dB, at 95dB you have 1 hour before risk. It does not seem scientifically possible to listen that loud and be unaffected.

110 dB: ~2 minutes
120 dB+: essentially immediate risk