Volume level

Hi all, I use my phone to fully control my NAIM stereo. I don’t even know where remote from it, is.
I listen to music only on certain specific few levels all the time. Those levels are, I thing: 22, 55and 77 - with software pre-cut to 50%. Never else. Never. It’s because of years sound experiences and maybe some strange block in my head, which modern medicine can solve today, but…
Do you have same block in your heads, too?
And, DO YOU always clicking your phone volume buttons like crazy to set those specific only-few levels into your HiFi? …or there is just me on planet?

If you feel that now and then (or always) your hearing sounds dull and the sound isn’t well-rounded, your eustachian tube(s) may be a bit blocked.
A visit to your GP may be an idea.
The usual treatments are an Otovent balloon and a mometasone furoate nasal spray - both are available to buy over the counter or your GP can issue a prescription.
It’s something I’ve had for years and I find the balloon and spray help a lot.

There could be other causes though, so best to check with your GP first.

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On the 272, we set it to anything from 30 (quiet listening) to 40 (for louder listening or older pre-volume wars recordings) through to 50 for some classical recordings. The volume limiter is set to 55.

I have a passive preamp and I only change the volume control about once a year. No remote control, no other volume control in DAC or CDP.
When the volume is right, it is right!

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No, I say that from 101 possible volume levels, which I can choose on my stereo, I never used more than 3.
And those tree are: 22, 44 and 77.
And it’s funy to skip between them on phone App by clicking volume buttons.
Need different doctor.

First of all, for clarity, those level are meaningless to everyone else, actual sound levels depending on not just the specific source and amp, but speaker sensitivity and room, especially listening distance.

That aside, it seems very strange to have three and only three fixed volume control positions: Unless you use volume levelling software, different albums can vary in both average and peak sound levels by more than three possible levels, so I can’t see how can three fixed settings make sense, then mood can affect preference at any one time. So, in answer to your questions, in my case I have no fixed levels - I don’t even look at what the setting is,just pick what seem right by er for the music and mood. Generally heavy rock will have highest average level, while dramatic orchetral might highest peak levels.

Why do you have those three set levels? Ask yourself that, and, given that your very posting siggests you think it may be odd, why not explore? Try different music listening to see what sounds best not looking at the sound level setting until after listening and enjoying…

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Have you checked between the seat pad cushions on your couch? (Hint- look and feel right at the backs of the seat pads). Hope that helps

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…thank you, Jonny, I’ve found it. Batteries are low. :slight_smile:

let’s call those levels presets, of course no matter which numbers are set.
Just listen to Spotify and manage it from Smart phone to naim Atom and try to quickly manage the sound level. You can or start to look for remote control (between the pillows of sofa) or use volume buttons of the smart phone, and then you can clik many times or long press and guess what will happened - if Spotify app is still aktive on your phone.
Spotify don’t allow display split on Android. What you can do is run Floating naim App overlay on top, but volume bar is very small than…

imagine Stinky cheese/brandy/music party. We running music from Spotify, for example, because search at Spotify is the best; to manage sound volume is tricky from one device. But not much is missing to do it good: Floating mini app overlaid on top of display with just volume bar or even simplier, with 3 presets. click - finnish.

I am forever changes the sound level, depending on time of day, whether I’m streaming, watching tv, or listening to the radio. It can be frustrating as my main system requires me to move from my listening position to the stair lobby where my equipment lives. My other systems are controlled via an iPad or iPhone, which is much more convenient.

I suppose I am suffering from age related hearing loss so the volume levels are creeping up, which I mostly notice when listening to the radio.

If you suspect that (easily checked with a smartphone app), then hearinfg aids are a better solution (and several threads on here with much useful info).

Interestingly, I have always tended to play certain music loud. (In my terms, at realistic levels.) But recently when I visited my brother in law, who has similar tastes in music and decent hifi, I was surprised to find some things he played too loud for me - even when I turned my hearing aids off! I think he needs a hearing test, but, 5 years younger than me, he is in the denial stage…

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Thanks IB @Innocent_Bystander - it’s on my to do list now that January is over.

I have only two possible - and maybe useless - answers to your question.
One is - someone once said that each recording has an optimal reproducing volume, and I’ve found this to be very true.
The other is - since youy mention three levels with identical numbers (22, 55 and 77) it could be worth investigating what these numbers mean for you. A modicum of OCD is a common trait of all audiophiles, but the fact itself that you posed yourself (and us) the question could deserve some sort of investigation on some rainy day (one here, today). Best.

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My whole optimal system sound is continual chase to get the system to sound excellent at the lowest possible volume. To try and extend my hearing life .
A sound isolated room , non reflective room , lowest noise floor achievable and active system .I feel I get a superb sound at very low levels .
Volume limits are applied in case of any stupidity or accidents on my part .

There are two problems with low level listening that the gear cannot resolve: Firstly our ears’ sensitivity to different frequencies varies with sound level, and at low levels bass is greatly diminished, also the higher treble to some extent. (Actually that could be fixed, whether in a crude li-fi way if you have an amp with a “loudness” control, or potentially better using DSP.) And secondly some music just doesn’t sound right quiet!

But music with average sound level up to 80dB isn’t at all likely to cause hearing damage, and even above that there is plenty of scope for listening without damaging ears.

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For us it’s isn’t OCD, it’s DID, ADHD, dyslexia and we’ve just been diagnosed with the 'tism as well!
:woman_shrugging: