And if you recognize that line, you’re old!
My primary residence for the last 11 years has been my condominium. One of the virtues of condo living, in my case, has been the lovely community that this is. We give each other space and privacy but we also socialize, celebrate together, etc.
And there is an ever expanding group who enjoy gathering in my listening space to listen to music; they’re amazed at what they hear, they bring great wine and snacks.
BUT–a new couple moved in next door 3 days ago. And THEY knocked on my door yesterday at 2:15 pm to complain about the noise. I was amazed they could hear anything; I measured peaks at 75dB, avg, 71 as we stood in my room.
Sympathetically, I asked if I could come in to hear what she was hearing.
As I entered, I heard nothing until she brought me to their as yet unfurnished third bedroom.
I remarked that it’s barely audible and I measured with my phone app, 52db peaks avg. 49. Then we moved to the living room where music could not be heard and the numbers were roughly the same.
She replied “I don’t care what your toy says, we don’t want to hear anything from outside our walls. My husband is a lawyer. Don’t force us to sue you”.
I need a plan.
This is the selfish attitude of so many today! You are not playing too loud and it is the middle of the afternoon. This is why I live in a house where I can enjoy my system at any level I like. Sorry to hear this.
First I would check with your condo rules…see what it says is the limit if any mentioned at all.
But if they can complain and force you to turn down not many options. sound proof, turn it down, or move. Having sh*** neighbors can suck, but when in an condo, it really sucks. Sorry to hear this.
Any way you could come with a schedule with them? times they are away…etc…
Ouch! What you describe is the fear that keeps me from ever considering living in a multi-family structure. All it takes is one negative Nellie to harsh the buzz of the entire community. I don’t know what the noise ordinances require in your case but, in my mind, it doesn’t matter. I believe your chances of maintaining what you have enjoyed heretofore will be better taking a diplomatic rather than technical/legal approach.
You mention how other neighbors are enjoying your music and the enjoyment that high fidelity reproduction can bring. Perhaps a small gathering can be hosted with some of your existing friends and your new neighbor as a sort of welcoming celebration. Music can be played at a comfortable (what they will hopefully see as reasonable) volume. Seeing how everyone is enjoying the experience may change their heart as they appreciate the enjoyment it brings you and the group. At a later time you could have a conversation about a reasonable compromise that balances your desire to enjoy your hobby and their desire for quiet.
Truly sad that they chose to make their initial interaction so confrontational.
I’m sure I can find some diplomatic solution. But her aggressive approach makes me first think of solutions that would get me in trouble.
Sorry to read this. Sounds like someone who looks to cause problems.
I fully understand (and admit it would feel good in the moment😁).
Please keep us posted on how this plays out.
Maybe?
If these people are this aggressive at first, this is only the beginning of the trouble they will cause everyone else in the condominium association.
Edit: @RonP there might be verbage in the condo declaration where owners waive their right to sue other neighbors.
Puts a new perspective on “feeling the bass”
That really sucks. Maybe consider buying the new neighbors each a set of noise cancelling headphones?
I also like the idea of seeing if there are regular times when they are away so that you can crank it up.
Good luck.
With neighbors like that who needs enemies?
A friend of mine, a tuba player, resolved this issue with his condo neighbors by agreeing to a specific schedule during which he can play.
It sounds like these people are not willing to work with Ron.
The hostile, litigious approach especially before they even met me makes me think they aren’t likely to compromise. But I’ll try to find a happy resolution.
BTW–My policy has always been no louder than upper 60dB before 11:00am and after 6PM
Chester A. Riley would approve.
Cuh-rap. 
I feel for you, Ron, and hope some of these good suggestions here may help.
Someone, I think, said “the problem with humanity is the people”. 
Such a shame.
Sounds like a real “Karen” - hostile, litigious and not someone who gets along with others. Why on earth did she move to a condo knowing full well she was going to have neighbors? Does the entire world have to bend to her will?
That couple wouldn’t last three seconds in my building, in my neighborhood - where even car stereos can be heard and felt through closed windows a block away.
I wish you luck, Ron.
That would be my worst nightmare as I watch movies even louder. I did see a Holmes does it right where they did fix a wall in a condo. Tons of work, but it does solve the issue. Can be done 100% from your side. Double wall, more insulation, maybe some mass loaded vinyl (don’t put on TT does not sound good) or fill with closed cell spray foam. My guess is it will deaden pretty much everything, but yeah, cost money and you will loose a few inches of space in Condo. Sorry probably not much help, but if all else fails its less work than moving.
I was thinking the same thing. These people do not belong in a condominium. By nature, you are going to hear toilets flushing, occasional loud tv’s, microwave doors closing, coughing, sneezing, occasional parties, etc.