theblackknight
Mikes off! No recording!
Do you use the loudness button on your receiver/ amp? :scratch2:
Do you use the 'loudness' feature on your rcvr/amp?
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Wigwam Jones
Caesar non supra grammati
I actually prefer equipment with a 'tone defeat' switch of some sort. Straight wire with gain, that's all I want.
OvenMaster
Baby, you're my winterblue
In the past when I had receivers with a Loudness button, I never used it.
Tom
Tom
Toasted Almond
RIP 1952-2016
No loudness, no tone controls. Ever.
:nono: :thumbsdn: 
:nono: No!
Arkay
Lunatic Member
For "critical listening" and on the main system, never. No tone controls at all.
But with the receiver in my small-ish and somewhat cluttered workbench area, with speakers atop shelves near the ceiling, I sometimes play with tone controls and loudness, if listening at low volumes. Sometimes it helps make a mediocre situation sound a bit better.
I know "Wire with gain" is always the goal, but in the real world with less-than-ideal listening environments and inputs, sometimes a little "fudging" helps correct weaknesses. With a better system in a better configuration and environment (like in the living room) I prefer to "defeat" tone controls.
I might change my mind if I start using the vintage Soundcraftsmen pre-with-EQ in a system, though. When I tested it, I could not detect any added noise at any normal listening levels. However, I have yet to try it with my most revealing speakers/system, so I might yet change my mind about it. Will experiment with it one day.
But with the receiver in my small-ish and somewhat cluttered workbench area, with speakers atop shelves near the ceiling, I sometimes play with tone controls and loudness, if listening at low volumes. Sometimes it helps make a mediocre situation sound a bit better.
I know "Wire with gain" is always the goal, but in the real world with less-than-ideal listening environments and inputs, sometimes a little "fudging" helps correct weaknesses. With a better system in a better configuration and environment (like in the living room) I prefer to "defeat" tone controls.
I might change my mind if I start using the vintage Soundcraftsmen pre-with-EQ in a system, though. When I tested it, I could not detect any added noise at any normal listening levels. However, I have yet to try it with my most revealing speakers/system, so I might yet change my mind about it. Will experiment with it one day.
shacky
Addicted Member
Looks like this thresd has been dormant for a while. Just placed my vote. I use loudness unless I'm listening at high volumes (very seldom). I grew up listening to Sony 6050 and Wharfedale W40's. Loudness seemd to make the music more alive and I've gotten use to it.
Now use Sansui 890DB with AR 2AX and use loudness most of the time. Most would probably say you don't need loudness with the big sui's but I like it. I have have combinations of receivers/speakers that don't sound good with loudness on unless it's a recording that needs a lot of boost. But my Sansui has plenty of power and finess to make loudness sound great through the 2AX's.
Now use Sansui 890DB with AR 2AX and use loudness most of the time. Most would probably say you don't need loudness with the big sui's but I like it. I have have combinations of receivers/speakers that don't sound good with loudness on unless it's a recording that needs a lot of boost. But my Sansui has plenty of power and finess to make loudness sound great through the 2AX's.
ashnut
mid-fi neophyte
It's well documented that the ear's sensitivity to certain frequencies is non-linear. Attenuation to those frequencies that my ears do not pick up during low level listening (~60dB and lower?) add to the sound. At lower levels, all the time. Otherwise, no.
It's there for a reason. I use it for the reason for which it's intended.
It's there for a reason. I use it for the reason for which it's intended.
birddog
Addicted Member
Shoulda been a "sometimes" or "depends on the ----" catagory. I use it, and the tone controls, but only when I feel that it enhances the sound, due to the system, enviorment, background noise, whatever the need may be. Low listening levels, I like the loudness button, but not on all my equipment. Different pieces have the "boost" set at different steps, and therefore sound different. Noisy crowded room, I like to set the treble control up a few notches sometimes. The point is, to me, leaving everything flat just isn't the perfect setting for all listening scenarios....
Filmboydoug
Nikko Freako
No loudness switch here, just a bass and treble set to defeat. I do have 3 sound processor ins/outs tho.
