ATC and Loki

I have definitely noticed most systems have a unique sweet spot in volume, typically not low volume. This isn’t psychological. Some do sound great at low volumes. I am confident that the differences among systems exist. However, I have been fortunate that I have lived in places where I could play at any volume I want… so I never did a systematic investigation. I bet a lot of folks from Europe and Japan have.

You know, some systems sound fantastic at all volumes. My current system does sound very good at low volumes. But I have never gotten a handle on what the parameters are of good sound at low volumes… is it mostly the speakers… or what. But over the years I have heard some professional reviewers discuss it. Might do some Google searching and see if you can find useful info.

Congratulations. I bet this is exciting. First, you want to listen to your new speakers. If you are interested in good sound avoid any equalization. Start by setting up your system and making sure all components are fully broken in… 200 hours of music play.

Typically speakers and listening position is an equilateral triangle to start with. You want the speakers away from the back and sidewall. The amount of toe in is really important. You might Google toe-in for your speakers, but start with them pointed at you and incrementally move towards alignment perp to wall. There is a best angle such that the sound stage is open and central image is solid and stationary. After set up you want to know the sound and then you can work on specific problems.

You want to take time. You spent a lot of money… the difference between a well set up system and one that is not is huge!

Then you can adjust the room. A rug in the right place, wall hanging, or even acoustic panel can completely change the room. There are key points for reflections that you may be able to dampen. I am guessing you have a glass wall behind? On wood floors, boxy room. These can best be dealt with by adjusting room acoustics.

The basic tenant of good audio is to never fiddle with the signal… so, no tone controls, no extra switches or adjustments as they all introduce noice and fowl up the signal.
Hope this helps.