...bookshelf speakers that sound good at low volume...
Normally I suggest high sensitivity speakers with big paper cone woofers for these situations, but in your case the problem could very well be the Monoprice amp. 35 watts/ch would normally be enough power for JBLs in a room that size, but that’s if the power is RMS, full bandwidth. I wouldn’t be surprised if the integrated’s RMS power is closer to 10 watts/ch in reality. A low-efficiency bookshelf speaker like the KEF LS50 is likely to leave you worse off. I’d probably put that $1K toward a better amp like a pre-owned Rega Elex-R or the Yamaha A-S801. The latter has a variable loudness control that will improve your low-volume listening regardless of partnering speaker, and you’ll have a great amp for when you do finally upgrade the JBLs. |
Others have been saying it, and its truth. Low level listening needs a bass boost. And depending upon the speakers, some high end boost might be needed also. I have a very high end desk top system ..., but do not believe one needs to spend a lot for everything for it to sound very good. The solution I found is here... Amazon carries it here:https://www.amazon.com/BBE-282iR-Maximizer-Unbalanced-Connections/dp/B00FRLB87Q For balanced connections there is this model. https://www.amazon.com/BBE-282iX-Maximizer-Balanced-Connections/dp/B00FRLB57Y I own both versions and both make the system sound surprisingly good! The bass boost is a high quality linear boost. Not boom, but bass. |
