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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 carlsbad2

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,382 posts
 

In my opinion, the best way to get a system that sounds good at low volume is with an SET and a pair of sensitive speakers.  As I have improved the quality of my system, every detail, especially the digital, the less I need to turn it up, i.e., the better it sounds at low volume.

Point number 2:  The bigger and more powerful the amp you buy, the less likely it is to sound good at low volume.  

I won't name names but I had a very powerful amp with a better-than-average reputation which I bought to drive some Martin Logans.  Switching to a much more sensitive speaker pair, I was not impressed with the speakers...I was about to sell them until I heard them with an SET.  the powerful amp was gone in a week.  Currently using a 2 wpc amp while a custom 4 wpc amp is being built.

The ability to sound good at low volume is important to me.  I tend to listen many hours a day while doing other things on the computer (like make this post) so I can't use high volumes that would fatigue my ears.

Jerry

 

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