2. speakers
  3. 184867-10082

High end speakers at low volume

After having got accustomed to my new Vitus RI-101 mk II, I came to the conclusion that I need to improve my system's performance at low volume to enjoy music more.

Current sources: LinnLP12, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Nucleus. 
Speakers: Avalon Idea. 
Shunyata Delta NR V2 and Hemingway Indigo PC, Tara Labs Forté, TQ 2 Black diamond IC.

I am looking at replacing the Avalon Idea with speakers that could improve the low volume listening experience. I listen to 60 / 70db, I can afford to go up to 85db for very short time (neighbours).

I am also considering to purchase a Loki Max which I understood being quite a neutral EQ unit.

I have selected a few speakers which should match my musical taste based on what I have read:

- YG Carmel 2
- Wilson Sabrina X
- Vandersteen treo ct
- TAD ME1

I don't have the chance to listen to them except the TAD ME1 which I have enjoyed very much but not in my apartment.

Budget max $15k new or used.

I am looking for speakers sounding musical, with wide soundstage, not cold, detailed yet not analytical.

I mostly listen to classic rock, blues and jazz.

The system sits at the end of the long wall in a living room measuring 33x13ft, listening position 8ft from the speakers.

Unfortunately I have to face a tough WAF putting several limits:

- speakers must have a clean design, not black, not too hifi looking... and not too big
- distance from the wall behind the speakers 25cm

I don't mind changing amplifier if it will be necessary to match the next speakers.

I haven't found a preamp that I could consider a good candidate except a very expensive CSport featuring a loudness button which works very well (tested at Ana Mighty Sound).

I would much appreciate some advice from who knows well the above speakers or who had similar needs.

ricco275

Showing 1 response by blisshifi

blisshifi's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
blisshifi
1,117 posts
 

@ricco275 I am a T+A dealer and am recommending one of their speakers for this post as it fits your criteria. Look into the T+A Talis S 300 floorstander. It is not a high efficiency speaker, but it should be an excellent match with your Vitus. It is both very musical and still highly detailed. It is rated down to 25Hz despite having a small form factor, thanks to a fully machined aluminum cabinet. It plays very large for its size and images well at lower levels. The silver aluminum cabinet will likely match your Vitus and surpass your WAF criteria if you are both against black (I am!). 

I prefer this speaker to the $25K Wilson Yvette when I owned it. They are similar in tone, but I did prefer the Talis S 300 at lower listening levels, and it was more fitting for the room where the Wilson required more space than I could give it. 

The Talis was covered positively in The Absolute Sound a few years back as well, and the reviewer preferred it over the Wilson’s and Magicos in its price range. 

I have some other thoughts and will PM you direct. 

More to discover