I decided to measure Average and Peak dB for the following devices against two songs played all the way through.
The test subjects: iPhone 7 plus, iPad 6, or MacBook Pro 15" 2016 vs Sennheiser HD-6xx Headphone
Another test I could run is Apple Music vs Qubux vs Tidal, vs Spotify. but enough looking this morning.
Source: Qubuz.
Here are the measured numbers
Foy Vance “Make it Rain”. - Track encoded: 24 Bit 44 kHz Max Volume all devices except XD05 Plus
- iPhone 7 Plus with Lighting to Headphone dongle - 76 dB with Peak of 96 dB
- iPad 6 Headphone Adapter - 85 dB average with a peak dB of 107
- iPad 6 with Lighting to Headphone dongle - 83 dB average with a peak dB of 104
- MacBook Pro Headphone jack 85 dB average with a peak dB of 110
- MacBook Pro xDuoo XD05 Plus 3/4 volume Gain Level 1 - 86 dB average with a peak dB of 107
Rodrigo y Gabriela Live in France Haunman: Track encoded 16 bit 44 kHz Max Volume all devices except XD05 Plus
- iPhone 8 Plus with Headphone Adapter - 82 dB average with 96 dB Peak
- iPad with Headphone Adapter Average - 95 dB average 107 dB peak
- iPad with Lighting to Headphone dongle - 94 dB average 107 dB peak
- MacBook Pro Headphone jack 93 dB average with a peak dB of 110 dB
- MacBook Pro xDuoo XD05 Plus 3/4 volume Gain Level 1 - 97 dB average with a peak dB of 110
- MacBook Pro xDuoo XD05 Plus 3/4 volume Gain Level 3 - 99 dB average with a peak dB of 118.
One thing I have to say please do not play at these average dB levels we see on iPAD and Macbook Pro, it will not give you the best sound nor will it be good for your hearing. What this show is you can back off the volume on iPhone, iPAD and Macbook Pro volume drive your favorite headset. From here you can look at what level give you most optimal performance.