Route pinball in NYC is mostly bar pinball and yes the games are turned down.
Why?
Jukebox,residual noise from patrons(talking,laughing),sometimes TV(sports),other games,both video and other pinballs.
The volume of a particular game is way down on the list of things to consider when running a bar.
7B very popular bar,practically no volume.Everybody plays.
Jackbar super popular pinball bar, good medium volume,but with 9 games going plus bar plus music you can forget about hearing every little thing.
Route pinball is its own experience.