This is somewhat related to the previous thread on dynamic range, but with a twist.

I was just marvelling (not) over the amazing loudness difference between some older re-mastered analog Decca recordings (fairly hot), a Dorian release of early music (VERY hot-- turned it down at least 12dB for comfort), and some tasty things from EMI and Nimbus.

Because there are no laws about average loudness when mastering (but please do not normalize string trios!), how do you folks decide when the level is loud enough? And what about peak limiting?

Rich