Higher volume with age?

MrNightly

It seems that since I've put my system together the volume has totally decreased in output. I know as I sit here, that it does make sense a little bit but here's what I'm running into:

I started with a Denon 3805 and RTi8's. I added the rears (RTi4) and Center (CSi5). I just bought my SPL meter, and have yet to calibrate but over the past few months, I have had to increasing turn up the volume.

I started with just the 8's and -10db was VERY LOUD. Now with the rest of the speakers on, I have to run my HT at -5db just to get it loud enough to hear clearly. Is there something wrong with my speakers? Or is it just with the added speakers to push, the overall volume has decreased?

I was worried at first that I had damaged the speakers, but really, -5 isn't that loud is it?

Is it that time already to consider separate amp for the mains? Or will calibrating it fix a lot of those problems?

Thanks!

David

cfrizz

Hi David, age has nothing to do with it.

What you are noticing is that your Denon as good as it is, is working overtime to run all of your speakers. The more speakers you add, the harder it is to get the same volume as you started out with. The only way to get it is to turn it up louder!

Before I got my Parasound & Outlaw amps my normal listening level was -20 to -30. Once I added the amps, it was way too loud & now my normal listening level is -40 to -30!

You figure it out from there!;)

unc2701

Nah, what's really happening is that you're going deaf.

cfrizz

WAAAAAAAAAAA!!!:D

unc2701 wrote:

Nah, what's really happening is that you're going deaf.

MrNightly

unc2701 wrote:

Nah, what's really happening is that you're going deaf.

Ha. That's what I figured it was.. sucks to be me eh?

MrNightly

cfrizz wrote:

What you are noticing is that your Denon as good as it is, is working overtime to run all of your speakers. The more speakers you add, the harder it is to get the same volume as you started out with. The only way to get it is to turn it up louder!

So, it won't hurt my speaks to crank them harder? Or wear out the AVR sooner?

speakergeek

unc2701 wrote:

Nah, what's really happening is that you're going deaf.

Funny!Very funny!:D

speakergeek

I'd say it is time for an external amp if you want to acheive the desired volume without overtaxing your receiver.

cfrizz

Based on everything else I said, what do you think?

MrNightly wrote:

So, it won't hurt my speaks to crank them harder? Or wear out the AVR sooner?

Ron Temple

cfrizz wrote:

Based on everything else I said, what do you think?

Spoken like a teacher...:)

MrNightly

cfrizz wrote:

Based on everything else I said, what do you think?

Did you just lecture me?!? I feel like i'm 11 again. Gee thanks.

cfrizz

WAAAAAAAA!!!!:D Fine I'll just come right out and say it.

Go right ahead & turn it up. Just don't come on here whining when you burn out your speakers & receiver!;)

MrNightly

cfrizz wrote:

WAAAAAAAA!!!!:D Fine I'll just come right out and say it.

Go right ahead & turn it up. Just don't come on here whining when you burn out your speakers & receiver!;)

That's encouraging. Thanks a lot

I guess I will need an amp before long then. Another thing to add to this never ending list

Oh ya, and thanks for the encouragement. It means the world to me :P

Holydoc

cfrizz wrote:

Hi David, age has nothing to do with it.

What you are noticing is that your Denon as good as it is, is working overtime to run all of your speakers. The more speakers you add, the harder it is to get the same volume as you started out with. The only way to get it is to turn it up louder!

Before I got my Parasound & Outlaw amps my normal listening level was -20 to -30. Once I added the amps, it was way too loud & now my normal listening level is -40 to -30!

You figure it out from there!;)

I did not notice this change when I added my Outlaw amp. My amp made sound clearer and opened up the sound of my surround speakers. I continued listening at the same level, but in a more enjoyable and clear environment.

I am not saying that CFrizz is wrong with his assessment, this may very well also be the problem. I am just stating that the addition of an amp may not affect your volume/gain setting but it will most certainly make things easier to hear because of increased clarity.

BTW... I am convinced I upgrade my stereo to compensate for my hearing loss and buy bigger TVs to compensate for my poor eyesight. Aging is a great excuse to upgrade!