Real-world effectiveness of Sound Insulation regulations?

[darren204]

There's lots of info on the web regarding the Part E. sound insulation regulations in terms of it's specification and the testing procedure for compliance.

I was wondering what peoples' real-life experiences are of living in properties that have been built since these regulations came into force?

It looks like the regulations stipulate a 45dB attenuation of airborne sound between dwellings for new-builds and a 43dB attenuation for conversions. In practice, however we don't sit at home listening only to white noise under test conditions, we have subwoofers and other lovely toys! And just how much is a 43dB attenuation in practice?

For example, I'm moving to a newly-converted flat and will live on the top floor, but I don't want to be a nuisance (nor, do I want to have to be as quiet as a mute mouse). The floor is a suspended jobby with laminate laid on top.

Does anyone here have experience of living beneath someone with an AV habit in a victorian flat converted since 2003/4? If so, how much noise permeation was there?