Lexicon Loudness Race

The Loudness Race is a phenomenon that began in the 90s and led to CDs being mastered louder and louder, at the expense of the sound dynamics. This was done to increase the sales chances of the CDs. This is widely complained about because of the negative effects on the sound of the CDs, but it has not led to the practice being abandoned.

For more detailed explanations, see also:

• Wikipedia article: Loudness race (in English)
• Hifi Knowledge thread in the Hifi Forum: Loudness race or loudness war