Yes, this is where my thinking is likely flawed. I've always assumed ~85 dB at MLP with the dial on "0" with maybe 5 -6 dB peaks for music so... yeah. Did not think I was getting into clipping territory, and here's why. The Ultras are less sensitive (88 dB, tho I think Gene measured closer to 87 in his review), are rated for lower continuous power and I've had them turned up just as loud. That's almost double the power for the same volume, right?
Yes, I am really into this. I've learned a lot. Enough to know I have much more to learn, lol. This is a fun hobby and I love good sound. Do you have a favorite spl meter you like to use or are they all pretty accurate? I've played around with the free phone app ones but I don't trust 'em.Since you are really into this, I strongly recommend picking up a decent SPL meter from Amazon. It is a very useful tool and they don't cost much.
Both of my parents were in bands since I can remember and I grew up hanging out at weekly band practices. We had smaller "Woodstock" style gatherings ("The Mahoning Valley Easter Festival!") every year in my big, rural back yard. Bunch of old college buddies who played various instruments would get together and throw a weekend concert party. We would cobble a stage together with cinder blocks and scrap lumber, had lighting, pa system, a full blown concert setup and would play into the wee hours of the morning. It was so awesome. I miss those...
I grew up on Neil Young, Led Zep, Dylan... the list goes on. Yup, my parents were hippies, lol. Music is in my blood and I can't imagine a world without it. Home theater is a secondary consideration for me. I have a very strong and genuine passion for music and good sound. My tastes have gotten heavier but I still appreciate good musicianship and will listen to a variety of music if it's well recorded and sounds great on my system.
I can even tolerate the occasional country music sessions my wife enjoys so much. I can't stand country, but it's a small sacrifice and keeps her involved and invested in wanting things to sound good.