In article , Serge
Auckland
wrote:


In a way I do, almost every time I use my Hi-Fi. My Meridian-based
system has the volume control as part of the loudspeakers, and the
steps are 1dB at the levels I listen at.
[snip]

Adjusting the volume by 1 step isn't readily perceptible. I think I can
hear a difference, but as I've just made the change, that's not
surprising. I certainly couldn't step out of the room and return and
tell a 1dB difference on programme. Two steps seems to be the minimum I
can tell readily, although even here, I don't think I could step out of
the room and return and say the volume has changed. 3dB seems the
minimum to tell readily there's been a change.

Similarly, with tone changes, the Meridians have treble and bass
shelving in 1dB steps, and a 1dB change is imperceptible, 2dB in the
treble and 3dB in the bass becomes noticeable, boost more readily
noticeable than cut.

It is possible, however, that I am rather less sensitive to level change
than others, so I would not be dogmatic that because I can't hear it,
others can't either.

Well, the systems I use employ use a mix of Quad 34 and Armstrong 700
preamps. These both use the Alps stepped attenuators. My experience is much
like yours.

On the other hand, I'm extremely sensitive to stereo positioning, a 1dB
difference in loudness between L and R moves the image enough to be
irritating.

I find that somewhat less than a change of 1dB in balance can be audible. I
suspect this is a strong function of factors like how well the stereo works
in the first place in terms of audible symmetry, direct/indirect sound
ratio, etc.

Slainte,

Jim

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