Is volume relative?

[bfcoughlin]

Today, I bought a pair of JVC HA FX55 earbuds. I like the sound quality, however, I have one concern. To me, it seemed that the sound was lower than it was when I used the stock earbuds at the same volume setting on the nano. Accordingly, I had to turn them up to get the same apparent volume. My husband thought the same thing, Since I'm worried about excess volume damaging my middle aged ears, I want to know if different types of earbuds one uses can themselves alter the actual volume. Is the volume I difference I think I hear real? I want to make sure that when I turn up the nano with the JVC, I'm not turning up the volume coming into my ears. (I hope I've explained the question well.)

 

[Galley]

Basically, not all headphones output the same volume; some are more "efficient" than others. I forget what spec you are supposed to look at. I think it's either sensitivity or impedance.

 

[bobb-mini]

That's correct. The volume's "slider" does not correspond to the actual acoustic energy that different earphones put out. When yr ears get tired or worst hurt, then it's time to stop or lower the volume.

 

[Jokieman]

Different phones have different OHMS Impedances and dB Sensitivity. Both of these affect the over all volume level. A higher Ohms Impedance and lower dB sensitivity will mean a lower over-all volume. The volume difference you and your husband hear is real.