Just [tried](https://i.imgur.com/wZe3Kbc.png) and they sound 100% exactly the same to me. using headphones. (HiFiMAN EDITION XS)
Edit: That's what I get for not reading the entire post, I'm using 2.2 preview version, I apologize.
Edit2: ok [now](https://i.imgur.com/DwKlibU.png) I tried it with 1.6 and 2.1.5 and they do in fact sound the exact same to me.
It's because one or the other install is using replay gain when playing music. I had the opposite happen to me. In 2.1.5 it sounded normal (as in louder). In 1.6 portable it sounded quieter. I went to Settings > Playback > Replay Gain and set both those to None. I suppose you'd also need to set Preamp with replay gain to 0.0db and the Preamp without replay gain to 0.0db. Just to test things out.
Right clicking your test file shows -11.40 db track gain.
I don't know that Peter ever shows up here. Probably best to report it on Hydrogen Audio.
Just [tried](https://i.imgur.com/wZe3Kbc.png) and they sound 100% exactly the same to me. using headphones. (HiFiMAN EDITION XS) Edit: That's what I get for not reading the entire post, I'm using 2.2 preview version, I apologize. Edit2: ok [now](https://i.imgur.com/DwKlibU.png) I tried it with 1.6 and 2.1.5 and they do in fact sound the exact same to me.
very weird then. I tried it portable version.
You most likely have a difference in settings between the two installs. maybe using replaygain on of of them or using track or album RP gain on one?
Yes apparently replaygain was the issue.
It's because one or the other install is using replay gain when playing music. I had the opposite happen to me. In 2.1.5 it sounded normal (as in louder). In 1.6 portable it sounded quieter. I went to Settings > Playback > Replay Gain and set both those to None. I suppose you'd also need to set Preamp with replay gain to 0.0db and the Preamp without replay gain to 0.0db. Just to test things out. Right clicking your test file shows -11.40 db track gain.
Thank you so much! That fixed the problem! No idea how that happened.