-20db lower than reference level listening

[ewizard]

When watching movies/television I typically listen anywhere from -10 to -20 below reference level.
Since this is the case, will an IB setup not be the best choice for me?
My L/R mains are really frigging loud when played at reference level, so I can't even imagine watching a whole movie like this.
I plan on upgrading my front L/R at some point but would rather upgrade my subwoofers first.

So, does it even make sense for me to go the IB route if I watch movies/television at lower levels?

[pitviper33]

All of the advantages of an IB sub are just as meaningful at 100dB as they are at 115dB. My current mains start audibly distorting just a little above -10dBRL, so I spend all of my listening time in the same range you do. I have never regretted the IB for a second.

[ThomasW]

Reference isn't a listening level used in the real world.

It's basically an SPL the industry decided upon as a standard for people to match when setting the relative output levels of their speakers.

It's not how loud the speakers should be playing when one is watching a movie.

Were people to listen at 'reference', permanent ear damage would be in their future.

[ewizard]

Great!  I know it would be for me!
My hearing is messed up from decades of rock concerts and drum playing.
I thought so, I just wanted to make sure.