Is this normal ? (reciever volume level issue)

[alcy]

I got myself the Marantz Sr4003 receiver (80W power output, other specs: http://us.marantz.com/Products/2513.asp) to drive the Quad 11L2 speakers just a few weeks back.

The thing is that I have noticed that up till a few days back, -15 to -10 volume level was loud enough. But now I have to go all the way to -5 or more for the same level of loudness. No, my ears are alright, since my dad also feels the same way.

Of course, the various modes and settings haven't been changed(bass/treble/input etc.)...its been stereo all the way and I have been listening to the same CDs.

Is this normal, what could be the possible reason ? Please help since this was bought recently and I can go to the dealer if you folks advise so.

 

[skers_54]

You and your dad are probably acclimated to the sound at -10 so it isn't perceived as being loud anymore. To get the same effect you now have to increase the volume. I go through phases like that sometimes.

The only way to really tell is to measure the output with an SPL meter. If you don't have one I'd recommend picking one up just to double-check the auto-calibration settings. They're cheap (<$50) from Radio Shack.

 

[alcy]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I'll try getting the SPL meter.

But seriously, I listen to the music once in a day (and about an hour only) and there haven't been extended periods of listening, so as to get accustomed to the output level. Do you still think there's no problem with the receiver ?

 

[skers_54]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I'll try getting the SPL meter.

But seriously, I listen to the music once in a day (and about an hour only) and there haven't been extended periods of listening, so as to get accustomed to the output level. Do you still think there's no problem with the receiver ?

I can't say for sure without measurements. I have a Marantz 4001 and mine has never had that issue, but you never know.

There's a lot of things that can affect how we perceive sound. Acclimation can occur surprisingly quickly and ambient noise will definitely have an effect. If the AC was going or someone else was making noise that could explain it. Heck, even changes in your sinuses will affect perception.

If you've only noticed it today, I'd monitor it over the next few days and see if there's a change. Try to avoid doing a critical comparison after being in a noisy environment as that will shift your auditory threshold up (making sounds seem quieter).

 

[alcy]

Ah yes... I agree. Thanks for affirmation and putting me at ease.

I am into the third day of observing...will continue to do so for the rest of the week.

A little off-topic but on some occasions I have had to cross 0 volume to lets say about +5 for a particular set of CDs (usually those which are burnt from the pc at normalized volume levels)...does this put the receiver/speaker at risk ? Of course with normalized CDs (usually the normalization process reduces the volume of all tracks to get them at the same level), the loudness at +5 is equivalent to the loudness at -5 for usual audio CDs...

 

[skers_54]

If the output volume is the same then you should be ok. Bascially the input level has been decreased so the gain at the amp needs to increase to get the same loudness. You increase the chance of hiss (floor noise) being audible, but that's inherent to any amplifier/receiver. As long as the receiver isn't getting hot to the touch you should be ok.

It's actually a good thing that your computer reduces volume rather than raising it, as you avoid introducing any new clipping of the signal.

 

[alcy]

Thanks for the help.

One pointer though...the receiver does get hot irrespective of the volume levels...until I switch on the room fan that is. Hope that's not a problem.

 

[PENG]

Thanks for the help.

One pointer though...the receiver does get hot irrespective of the volume levels...until I switch on the room fan that is. Hope that's not a problem.

That is normal. I know it is hard for people to accept the fact that most people don't use any more than 2 to 10W average continuously so the power amp does not consume any more than 4 to 20W. The prepro section of an AVR would however consume 70 to 120W just idling. That's why your volume level won't affect the overall heat produced by much.