You are talking to one right here lmao. I had a truck as a 16 yr old kid that produced 160db+ at the wall (rear section of 4x4 4 door Blazer) and over 155db legal at 40-44hz back in the late 1990’s before such goals were easy. It took multiple efforts being that it was a dual purpose setup, both Sound Quality and SPL.This is rifle shot at the muzzle territory and great ... if you want to be like the old, retired, loud pipes HD riders.
Ever try to have a conversation with one? Ever notice you’re repeating yourself several times? Exposure to this level of sound for more than a couple of seconds results in subtle, cumulative hearing loss. It’s difficult to notice because it happens gradually so be careful with this volume of sound.
Unless you’re firing off the stereo remotely, or using it to punish potential thieves. That would be cool, come to think of it.
Riding 5 people deep for hours at a time cruising country roads at full tilt was an every day activity so yes my hearing is more than just a little damaged. “Huh” is a word I am constantly repeating if I am not able to see ones lips during some conversations that have ample background noise. Do I regret it, no. Should I have worn earplugs and been a little more careful with the volume and extended periods of listening, of course. We only live once and BASS has been one of my hobbies so to speak since I was a pre teen with custom Home Stereo then Auto Stereo, and now Home Theater.
My 18’ x 35’ x 12’ Home Theater room has the craziest amount of bass I’ve ever witnessed (over 145db across multiple octaves, 24” and 21” 38mm long throw drivers for 1-40Hz, 18” pro custom pro drivers for 40Hz-120Hz, and 12” drivers for 120Hz upwards that pass off onto the speakers) but it’s only played loud like that for short demos. And I only watch movies at above “reference” levels so the loud bass scenes in movies are generally very short but extremely dynamic. I don’t sit in there and blast music for hours at a time at stupid spl levels like I did as a kid; although, I will play a song or two as demos for people that want the experience. Experiencing a rather large room at high SPL is totally different than sitting in a car and there is just something about it that is freakishly engaging to us BassHeads.
It just never gets old even after it’s literally beaten the crap out of one’s ears to the point that it’s more than just noticeable. My wife makes fun of me all the time and she’s a physician but always in good faith or messing with me. It’s not like I need a hearing aide but refuse to wear one.
Bests
Alex