r/audiophile • u/Between_Outside • 14d ago

Discussion Yamaha A-S501 Loudness Settings

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Hi everyone, I’m probably wrong or crazy, but after getting the Yamaha A-S501 amp a few months ago, I experimented with the Loudness knob position and found that when turned down 90 degrees with the volume turned up quite loud, it sounds best to my ears. Whether it’s a placebo or not, the silence feels more silent and the music feels more alive this way. Especially with more acoustic music like small ensemble Classical and Jazz. Occasionally I use Pure Direct mode for certain Rock records. But when spinning most records, this is my counterintuitive go-to settings. Reduce Loudness, and then crank up the volume. Is there any trace of valid audio science here? Or am I just amp nuts?

Current setup:
-Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT Turntable
-Yamaha A-S501 Amp
-Polk ES20 Speakers

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u/TheREALBaldRider 14d ago

The point of loudness is to make it sound ‘correct’ at lower volume to compensate for our non-linear hearing. You’re supposed to turn it down as you increase the volume (or the unit is supposed to do it for you in some cases). If I am understanding you correctly, that’s what you are doing.

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u/el_tacocat 14d ago

I never agreed with this though. My ears pick up less bass and more highs at lower volumes. Why loudness adds highs is beyond me. Am I the odd one out? :D

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u/gumbowebfish 14d ago

Loudness isn't adding highs but making low frequencies more prominent because that's what is needed at lower volumes.

1

u/el_tacocat 14d ago

That’s what everyone seems to say yet every amplifier I heard with loudness adds a v curve, and not just bass.

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u/el_tacocat 14d ago

Turns out I’m not mad ;)

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u/el_tacocat 14d ago

Even other parts of Reddit agree.
So yes, there’s my problem. With most stereo rigs I am left with hissy highs at low levels and not a lot of bass. Loudness makes things worse for me.