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Electrostatic speakers and low volume resolution

I've used electrostats almost exclusively for over 35 years and am just now questioning whether it is my somewhat compromised hearing (73 yrs old), the nature of that type speaker, or both that lead me to this question. At "normal" listening levels factors like detail, resolution, timbre, etc are excellent. At lower volumes, though, I lose these attributes. I realize that my age related hearing deficiencies could account for these loses but am questioning whether the nature of speakers themselves could be a contributor.

It's been awhile since I've used conventional speakers so my memory might be lacking but this didn't seem an issue when using them. The two that I owned and recall having the best sound to my ears were the JMLab Electras and the Jamo Concert Eights. My current speakers are the Martin Logan Ethos' which replaced the Odysseys that were in the system for 12(?) years.

For various reasons I need to listen mostly at reduced volumes, so, before I start looking to trade my Ethos' which I very much like, btw, for something like a good pair of stand mount dynamic speakers, I'm asking for input.
broadstone

Showing 3 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,755 posts
 
Not be heretic about it but our ears do not have flat frequency response to start with, hear differently at different volumes, and become less sensitive over time as noted. So digital signal processing or equalization may be all the doctor ordered to provide any needed corrections.

See the chart to the right in particular in this very informative Interactive Music Frequency Response Chart . Take not of what instruments produce sound at what frequencies and how that relates to teh sensitivity of our ears in the chart. It will help to get a handle on things better perhaps before taking any action, if needed.

Gear that sounded good when younger probably is still sounding equally if in good operating condition. So you can change gear or do some basic equalization/signal processing to correct the problem. Many ways to skin the cat.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,755 posts
 
Realize also that dynamics and frequency response are related, not two completely independent aspects of sound, althoughthat is how we tend to think about it often. An issue with dynamics might still be solved by adjusting frequency response.

An example that makes this clear is that there is NO dynamics when there is no frequency response that we are able to hear, say at 22Khz. But the same sound might well get our dog's attention.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,755 posts
 
I find it funny how some will change any of their hardware at the blink of an eye the instant something does not sound exactly right but will never consider the simple things that might be done to correct common simple problems like that fact that our hearing is neither perfect nor static over time.

Equipment makers gotta love it though.
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