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Yes, you do need a SPL meter if .....

Posted by cheap-Jack (M) on February 14, 2006 at 08:27:35

In Reply to: SPL at listening position, do you really have to measure? posted by KlausR. on November 19, 2005 at 01:01:34:

Hi.

you really want to measure the dB levels.

But why 60dB? It is pretty low from where you sit (4M).

If it peak or mininum or average level reading? if it fast (typically 0.2 sec per reading revision) or slow (typically 0.5 sec per reading revision) reading? What is the weighting (frequency
rsponse) of the SPL reading: A or C?

A-weight SPL is for gerneral purpose measured at human ears most sensitive range: 500 - 10,000Hz.

But for HiFi audio, C-weighting should be used: 32-10,000Hz.

So all these factors will affect the SPL readings.

Here what I am doing all the time with my own rig & with all my
audiophile acquaintances as acoustical consultancy is my hobby job.

I take fast response, peak reading & C-weighting on my digital SOL meter, which I believer give me the most realistic results.

So 60db is pretty low level from where you sit (4M) which is incidentally pretty close from my listening distance: 13.5ft=3.5metre. Even with the setting I said above, 60dB will surely be very low. Like quiet classical piano music.

FYI, I can get up to 110dB SPL on axis from my one of my stereo
system 138" or 3.5m from where I sit easily for classical music climaxes or pop band music. Mind you I'm talking about peak level & fast response reading. NOT, repeat, not average level & slow response which will hurt your hearing for prolonged exposure at such loud SPL levels.

Let me know more about your set up & listening environment so that I can comment more appropriately.

c-J

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