10.14.5b2 AirPod max volume seems much decreased

Apple Music content that previously seemed at reasonable volume with iTunes' volume slider all the way up, and the System volume slider about 2/3 of the way up, now seems much quieter. Even with both (iTunes/system) sliders maxed out, the sound level isn't what it was previously at full/two-thirds. My expectation is that if I even briefly brought both to max volume, the sensation would be quite painful and I'd immediately have to back it off.


Anyone else seeing this? Could there be a third factor modulating the volume that I'm not considering?