Recently, I've noticed a decreased level of sound from the system. I normally listen to FM and BT audio at around 35 and up to 40 when the windows are open. Within the past few weeks, I've had to crank it to 45 with the windows open to listen to FM loud enough and BT audio up to 50 or more. I even maxed the volume yesterday and it was not ear piercing like how it was when I did that a few months ago. Are my eardrums slowly decaying or might there an issue with the ML amp?

 

It could be just your ears. Wind noise tends to muffle sounds for me. It's hard to say with the windows rolled down, there are too many factors that can muffle up the sound. You have to try it with the windows rolled up.

 

I know on BT audio on my iphone it depends on the song. Some songs I really need to turn it up while others need to be lowered...

 

Your brain also will adjust to sensory input over time so that what used to seem loud at a certain volume will decrease in apparent volume.

And, of course, constant exposure to high volume will cause hearing loss...I know now that I can afford quality sound systems at home and in the car, my hearing ain't as good as it used to be!

 

Hmm I thought about that but I've only noticed it within the past 2 weeks after owning the car for a year. I hope it's not my hearing, I haven't even reached a quarter century yet! I don't listen to music that loud though so I'm pretty sure I'm not going deaf lol.

 

I don't think it is the amp... amps either work or they don't, there isn't much in-between with them.

 

I actually noticed the same thing until I noticed my iPhone volume wasn't full check that out for the BT settings..I keep mine at 52 with the windows up or down LOL

 

Check your phone and make sure it's cranked if you're mainly on BT. I use most of my inputs (BT, disc, XM, ipod) and each one can be set individually with volume, EQ settings, etc.

 

Usually when my tires wear off after certain mileage, the road noise will become louder and I need to crank up my audio volume. When it happens depend on the quality of the tires.