HT too loud or annoying neighbors?

[Warjack Prime]

Oh my God I had to chime in on this since I've been on the receiving end of a person's bass. Let me tell you it's all about respect. If you don't respect them or people in general then ignore them, but realize you are a ****ing *******. If you have some semblance of respect for humanity then realize that you share a wall (or ceiling in this case) and you may not be able to take full advantage of your soudn system unless you move to a different environment.

Now, I don't know how loud your bass is but to someone who isn't willfully wanting to hear it the bass is very annoying. In my case the jackass listened to bass till 4 in the morning. My wife and I had a new baby and were in bed by 10 pm at the latest. Keep in mind he didn't blast the bass, but if you'd try to lie in bed and go to sleep, it was very difficult trying to ignore the subtle boom boom boom in the still of the night.

I've been there. When I lived in an apartment I turned the bass pretty much all the way down and was mindful of my neighbors. So again, if it didn't bother them they wouldn't bang on the floor. Plus, they can't control if you can hear their footsteps. I seriously doubt their clogg dancing although it may sound like it. You however CAN control your bass. Be the bigger person and learn to live in your surroundings.

I had to call the cops on the guy a few times and ultimately the landlord kicked out his roomate after a while to try to get him to straighten out but his roomate just vandalized my car the night he left.

Sorry if this come across as harsh but it was a terrible time for my family. If I were "that" type of guy (read not a ***** afraid of jail) I'd have beat the crap out of that dude. He left his door open a few times when he left and I thought about stealing his subwoofer (15" Cerwin Vega).

[Monkey_Boy]

I feel your pain. I really do. Back when I had an in-box HT, I lived in a duplex and would get pounds on the wall from the neighbors quite often. I wouldn't even have it up that loud and they'd complain! It wasn't too long before I went next door and we were able to come to some sort of agreement that kept us both happy, we even became friendly enough that they finally said, "Whatever. Play it as loud as you want!" So I'd recommend that!

After getting through that dilemma, I got married... to a woman who has a hearing doctor in the family! The wife HATES loud noises and incessantly brings up how I'm going to have to go see her uncle by the time I'm 35. (I'll tell you guys this much, if my boys ain't deaf from the amount of sound they've had in their rides since they were 16- I'm talkin beats so hard you couldn't breathe well, even when sitting upfront!- then I doubt my hearing is in that much trouble since the sound in The Den ain't nowhere near that powerful.) It doesn't matter the time of day. It could be Saturday at noon, then suddenly light pours down the stairs to The Den and I hear those 5 words that I absolutely HATE: "Could you turn it down?" They're Like nails on the chalkboard of my soul! Those words are CONSTANTLY heard in my house. I'll have some peace for awhile when she goes on errands or what-not, but as soon as she's back- "Could you turn it down?" I normally watch BDs at level 0 and DVDs at +10. When I watch a movie with the wife, no matter what it is, it's -20. Negative-flippin'-20! Try enjoying an action-packed BD on that level and see how much you're enveloped by the experience!

[cojake]

Invite your neighbors over for movie nights.

[JJJMan]

Hey Prime,

Couldn't agree more with you, it is absolutely about respect. I am not ignoring their requests at all (hence the thread, clearly I am concerned about the situation). I am expressing my concern because I don't want to disturb my neighbors and still be able to enjoy my HT system (even if not taking full advantage)

As I stated originally, the last occurance of the neighbors banging on the floor, my Sub gain was probably at 12-15% and my receiver volume was around 18-20, the time was 9pm. I am NOT having the bass on even mildly, and especially not at 4am.

All I want is to understand what they are hearing so I can adjust my setup accordingly. I definitely am trying to be the bigger person, since this is a new issue, I want to nip it in the bud as quickly and compromisingly as possible. Hopefully with some adjustments and communication, we both can enjoy our environments.

[LastDitchEffort]

Originally Posted by Warjack Prime

Oh my God I had to chime in on this since I've been on the receiving end of a person's bass. Let me tell you it's all about respect. If you don't respect them or people in general then ignore them, but realize you are a ****ing *******. If you have some semblance of respect for humanity then realize that you share a wall (or ceiling in this case) and you may not be able to take full advantage of your soudn system unless you move to a different environment.

Now, I don't know how loud your bass is but to someone who isn't willfully wanting to hear it the bass is very annoying. In my case the jackass listened to bass till 4 in the morning. My wife and I had a new baby and were in bed by 10 pm at the latest. Keep in mind he didn't blast the bass, but if you'd try to lie in bed and go to sleep, it was very difficult trying to ignore the subtle boom boom boom in the still of the night.

I've been there. When I lived in an apartment I turned the bass pretty much all the way down and was mindful of my neighbors. So again, if it didn't bother them they wouldn't bang on the floor. Plus, they can't control if you can hear their footsteps. I seriously doubt their clogg dancing although it may sound like it. You however CAN control your bass. Be the bigger person and learn to live in your surroundings.

I had to call the cops on the guy a few times and ultimately the landlord kicked out his roomate after a while to try to get him to straighten out but his roomate just vandalized my car the night he left.

Sorry if this come across as harsh but it was a terrible time for my family. If I were "that" type of guy (read not a ***** afraid of jail) I'd have beat the crap out of that dude. He left his door open a few times when he left and I thought about stealing his subwoofer (15" Cerwin Vega).

Couldnt agree more. Its all about respect and knowing your living limitations. Too many people think they can do whatever they want and it somehow doesnt effect others. Out of respect to my neighbors I didnt even hook up my sub for my computer speakers.....

[Lacit170]

I am going through this situation right now! just hooked up my surround sound a few days ago. My girlfriend is upstairs trying to sleep when im told that the bass is keeping her up.... The volume was barely up! so, i just turn the bass WAY down when she goes up to bed.... not to mention, it probably annoys my neighbor (condos) so i should just get in this habit of keeping it down until i get a place of my own.... i feel your pain!

[Warjack Prime]

Originally Posted by JJJMan

Hey Prime,

Couldn't agree more with you, it is absolutely about respect. I am not ignoring their requests at all (hence the thread, clearly I am concerned about the situation). I am expressing my concern because I don't want to disturb my neighbors and still be able to enjoy my HT system (even if not taking full advantage)

As I stated originally, the last occurance of the neighbors banging on the floor, my Sub gain was probably at 12-15% and my receiver volume was around 18-20, the time was 9pm. I am NOT having the bass on even mildly, and especially not at 4am.

All I want is to understand what they are hearing so I can adjust my setup accordingly. I definitely am trying to be the bigger person, since this is a new issue, I want to nip it in the bud as quickly and compromisingly as possible. Hopefully with some adjustments and communication, we both can enjoy our environments.

Coolio man. I am still breathing hard from that last post as it brings back so many horrible memories. The anger just boils out. I think if they'll let you in so you can hear it then you'll know. You can run back and forth and at least figure out what level it has to be to not hear it at all and then go from there. That way you know your boundaries.

Also, tell them to quit clog dancing!

[JJJMan]

it sounds it, that guy sounded like a neighbor I would NOT want at all, sorry you had to go through all that for sure.

15" CV! ugh! I can just imagine even if that thing was at 1% it probably still rumbled enough to be annoying, glad you are rid of that situation.

I've been on the other side of the loud bass also, in college my dorm neighbor had a logitech 2.1 system setup on his computer and it was at max gain and he would play music on it 24/7 even when he wasn't in the room! Trust me, the last thing I want to be is that guy.

[Hammie]

10PM is too late, IMO.

Most areas have zoming laws that prohibit loud noises after a certain time. For my area, 8PM is the cut off. Citation can be given for using power saws or hammering after these hours. I know it is not just my area because they were the same in two different States that I have lived in.

The question is whether they can be enforced. However, if the police are called, they have the right to ticket you for "noise pollution."

This can also be addressed to cars with their loud exhausts or stereos. I had a friend in PA ticketed for his car stereo being too loud.

This is usually up to the officer responding to the complaint. many times, they give a warning because the paperwork behind the scenes are too much for this type of issue. However, if they are called out repeatedly, this may escalate and citation with fines attached could be given.

Just my two cents.

[ZIPPO]

Originally Posted by Warjack Prime

Oh my God I had to chime in on this since I've been on the receiving end of a person's bass. Let me tell you it's all about respect. If you don't respect them or people in general then ignore them, but realize you are a ****ing *******. If you have some semblance of respect for humanity then realize that you share a wall (or ceiling in this case) and you may not be able to take full advantage of your soudn system unless you move to a different environment.

Now, I don't know how loud your bass is but to someone who isn't willfully wanting to hear it the bass is very annoying. In my case the jackass listened to bass till 4 in the morning. My wife and I had a new baby and were in bed by 10 pm at the latest. Keep in mind he didn't blast the bass, but if you'd try to lie in bed and go to sleep, it was very difficult trying to ignore the subtle boom boom boom in the still of the night.

I've been there. When I lived in an apartment I turned the bass pretty much all the way down and was mindful of my neighbors. So again, if it didn't bother them they wouldn't bang on the floor. Plus, they can't control if you can hear their footsteps. I seriously doubt their clogg dancing although it may sound like it. You however CAN control your bass. Be the bigger person and learn to live in your surroundings.

I had to call the cops on the guy a few times and ultimately the landlord kicked out his roomate after a while to try to get him to straighten out but his roomate just vandalized my car the night he left.

Sorry if this come across as harsh but it was a terrible time for my family. If I were "that" type of guy (read not a ***** afraid of jail) I'd have beat the crap out of that dude. He left his door open a few times when he left and I thought about stealing his subwoofer (15" Cerwin Vega).

I had a neighbor like that about 8 yrs ago. I tried earplugs, but they're useless against bass. He eventually was evicted after enough complaints.

Originally Posted by Lacit170

I am going through this situation right now! just hooked up my surround sound a few days ago. My girlfriend is upstairs trying to sleep when im told that the bass is keeping her up.... The volume was barely up! so, i just turn the bass WAY down when she goes up to bed.... not to mention, it probably annoys my neighbor (condos) so i should just get in this habit of keeping it down until i get a place of my own.... i feel your pain!

I have also been through your problem. Headphones solved it. You can get full frequency response( bass included ) from a good pair of headphones.

Originally Posted by ZIPPO

"You would probably have to spend five to six times as much money on speakers to get close to the equivalent quality of sound you hear through headphones."
http://www.goodcans.com/
http://shop.beyerdynamic-usa.com/hea...emium-250.html Nominal frequency response: 5 Hz - 35,000 Hz
http://shop.beyerdynamic-usa.com/hea...emium-600.html Nominal frequency response: 5 Hz - 35,000 Hz
http://shop.beyerdynamic-usa.com/hea...emium-600.html Nominal frequency response: 5 Hz - 35,000 Hz
http://www.sennheiserusa.com/private...dphones_502875 Frequency response (headphones) 18 Hz - 21,000 Hz
http://www.sennheiserusa.com/private...dphones_502874 Frequency response (headphones) 18 Hz - 21,000 Hz
http://www.sennheiserusa.com/private...dphones_005342 Frequency response (headphones) 15.....28,000 Hz
http://goodcans.com/HeadphoneStore/i...products_id=84 Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
http://goodcans.com/HeadphoneStore/i...products_id=75 Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz

[solarrdadd]

I think most of us, despite what folks will say about my post listen (and like to) to our HT a bit too loud, most of the time; some of us, it's way, way too loud! This is whether we want to admit it or not. I know at times I do and when i catch myself on something that i know is really loud, i turn it down a little. remember you live in an apartment, not a single family home and you must think about your neighbors. they are correct in that in this economy lots of folks work extra long hours or even two jobs to keep that roof over their families heads. also, how well do you know your neighbors? are they just folks that you either see in the hallway or at the mailbox or trash & laundry room or do you know them by first names, talke regularly, have had dinner at each others apartment, perhaps like the same football or other sports team? just trying to find out if you have anything in comon and how well you interact. another question would be do the neighbors have their own HT? do they have HDTV? quite envy of not having things that others have (a HT in this case) can be componded when you have to listen to it and be reminded of that thing you don't have and might wish you did; mind you i'm not saying that is the case, just pointing out a "sometimes" fact.

how about this for a compromise, turn it down some and how about once in a while invite the neighbors over for a movie, let them enjoy it and you might be surprised that they will tolerate it a bit more. sometimes folks are not as fortunate as we are and they kinda feel left out. Include them once in a while and they feel a lot better about things. i live in a semi-detached house and my neighbors are cool. they know i have a HT system and i watch action movies, sports, music and game. they also have a standing invite over for movie night almost anytime. we all get along very well and i believe it helps that as well as it adds to a better releationship with us as people. imho!

[DavePS3]

I've been in the same apartment for 7 years now and I don't run my system after 11pm because I know the guy next door goes to bed shortly after that. I'll crank it mostly from 2pm to say no later than 9pm and after that, something not as noisy until 11. I've never had any notes, problems, knocks on the door and My system's no HTiB, that's for sure. I think you just have to be mindful for those around you. If they're going to bed at 9pm, you have no choice but to stop or use headphones after that time. That or find a new place to live.

I know how you feel though... you spent a lot of time tweaking the sound and you want to rush home and just experience it but your pals above you aren't as keen unfortunately. One other thing you could do, is... on many receivers, there is dynamic compression for late night listening. Basically it takes all the loud noises and muffles them somewhat but I'm not sure if many HD audio receivers have that option.

[Rob J in WNY]

I have been on the receiving and, admittedly, the delivering end of too much noise. The only solution is confrontation and compromise - period. Let me start by saying that there are those who don't have neighbors one wall way, but even one or more houses away who complain about stereo/home theater noise.

Of course, the first order of advice is don't ruin your hearing.

Yes, it's fun to run at near-reference or reference levels once in awhile. But, keep in mind that if you get in trouble with property or association management, it's far harder to undo that versus apologizing and working something out with your neighbors. Don't forget that it's not those who know you who might complain to a higher authority (even the police), but it's those who don't know you, and there's little chance of working anything out there.

Yeah, it stinks bigtime to have to keep it waaaay down, especially with a good investment into your system, but the low bass does easily travel through typical apartment walls and there's nothing that can realistically be done about that except to turn it down - sometimes a lot. Everyone's different. Some neighbors don't mind a little noise, others are intolerable, and you have very little say in the matter once an authority figure comes into play.

My next door neighbor is intolerant to just about everything under the sun. He used to work until 12:45am, and I had free reign to crank it up. Now, he works days, and is home in the evenings, and I keep it down. His home is a good 35 feet away, too. My neighbor on the other side doesn't care one bit.

You can pick your nose, but you can't pick your neighbors...

Just do your best to keep it friendly, and good luck!

[Lopan]

I fear exactly what you are going through might happen to me. As a member of the military and a renter, I always do my best to find a 3bd house for rent no matter how hard it is. I just love the freedom of playing my movies at really loud volumes and no one around my neighborhood to hear. I have it good right now but I will have to move this summer and no telling what kind of neighborhood and house I will have. It's hard being a renter and an enthusiast.

[crazyBLUE]

Getting to know your neighbor & when they are around & not around is the best thing !

Head phones is A great Idea if the sound is A problem late into the evening .(thanks for the links ZIPPO)

Being friendly with them is far better than at war with them .

Another thing is its all about respecting one another . Every one of my neighbors know that if I am bothering them , all they need to do is knock & say something , It will get turned down right then .

BTW ~ I live in A condo with people on both sides , above , Below & behind me .

[JJJMan]

Wow, I'm really happy about the responses I'm getting here, you guys are great I wasn't home last night (I'm sure my neighbors were grateful for that hehe) But if I see them tonight or tomorrow I will be talking to them and hopefully there will be a discussion and a way to resolve the issue so we are both satisfied.

I'll will definitely post my results so you guys know what went down

[Warjack Prime]

I will say too that I bought one of those $130 Tritton headphones from Best Buy and it sounds great. That might be something you could look into for the late night movie watching. It's got Dolby Digital and really sounds good. I get submersed in my PS3 games while using it no problem.

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by JJJMan

Currently the sub is next to the TV on an interior wall, 6 inches from the wall, with only its pre-built feet between it and the tile floor. I will be moving it to a different, exterior wall, 1 foot from the wall, and I am going to purchase a SubDude this weekend

My "Main" (front soundstage) Sub is on a SubDude, about 6-8" from the wall (can't go out much further if at All), but with Basstraps behind it also (pics in my PA-120 Gallery below). The SubDude def. helps clean up the boominess tho', if you don't have a Riser of some sort to get it Off the Floor (or away from the Tile floor in your case).

Originally Posted by louhamilton

10PM is too late, IMO.

Most areas have zoming laws that prohibit loud noises after a certain time. For my area, 8PM is the cut off. Citation can be given for using power saws or hammering after these hours. I know it is not just my area because they were the same in two different States that I have lived in. The question is whether they can be enforced. However, if the police are called, they have the right to ticket you for "noise pollution." This can also be addressed to cars with their loud exhausts or stereos. I had a friend in PA ticketed for his car stereo being too loud. This is usually up to the officer responding to the complaint. many times, they give a warning because the paperwork behind the scenes are too much for this type of issue. However, if they are called out repeatedly, this may escalate and citation with fines attached could be given. --- Just my two cents.

I think 10pm is def. the cut-off time. Whether it's 8, 9, or 10pm, may depend on your Neighbors (after talking to them, which Always is a good First idea vice ignoring them, or the bangs on the door or walls). Anyone whose seen my photos in my HT Gallery's below, know I have a decent amount of 24x24x1" Foam panels up; mainly to control the sound/isolate it to the room it is in, & to enhance the audio itself. But Mainly to contain it as I live in a somewhat small duplex & my neighbor's pretty cool. I don't go past 10pm EVER if I have a bluray movie on, which is usually at a pretty good volume, esp. the ACTION Flicks. If it's a regular bluray or TV or Movie/sports, etc., I try to keep it down after 9pm or so. He's usually up past 10 anyway, so I know I'm not keeping him up. I "may" put up one of those folding doors from my HT/Living Room that leads to the kitchen & then the back door, where we share a hallway, to help Further contain the Audio level. But, that would entail prob. hiring a carpenter to adjust my door frame ($$$) for the hardware involved to install that door, so that's about a 10-20% possibility. For now, I believe I'm good with what I have & the Insulated heavy Drape in that doorway acting as a "Buffer".

Originally Posted by DavePS3

I've been in the same apartment for 7 years now and I don't run my system after 11pm because I know the guy next door goes to bed shortly after that. I'll crank it mostly from 2pm to say no later than 9pm and after that, something not as noisy until 11. I've never had any notes, problems, knocks on the door and My system's no HTiB, that's for sure. I think you just have to be mindful for those around you. If they're going to bed at 9pm, you have no choice but to stop or use headphones after that time. That or find a new place to live.

I know how you feel though... you spent a lot of time tweaking the sound and you want to rush home and just experience it but your pals above you aren't as keen unfortunately.

Great Post! I too have been in the same apartment for 8-10 years (?) or so, so nothing loud goes on after 10pm. Luckily, I work a lot, so the only time I have to watch most Blurays is on Weds., Friday, & Sundays. For the most part, it's just a few times a month that I listen to them somewhat on the Louder side.

[Hoser59]

I live in a condo with people above me and to one side of me. I have been there for 6 years and have never had any complaints but I don't have a sub in my system and never have. Deep down I know I am missing something soundwise because of this, but I think the trade off is well worth it. I keep the sound at a reasonable level (my wife and I can still talk to one another during a movie without shouting) and we make sure movies are finished early, generally between 9 and 10 PM. Depending on the size of your speakers you can still get respectable bass without a sub. One good indication is turn your system on to a level you generally watch moves and then go stand in the hall with your front door shut.

[ZedsDead]

Before I was fortunate enough to get married and move into a house, I used to live in a 2-bedroom apartment with a buddy of mine. The guy that lived next to us had severe tourettes syndrome, I mean full on cursing, grunting, loud noises, felt really bad for him actually. So he never complained about our ht being too loud, he was always concerned if he kept us up at night. And the apartment below us was vacant for most of the time, and when someone did finally move in they were never there because they were spending most of their time at a girlfriends place. Needless to say we were really lucky, we used to play ps2 real loud and real late, good times