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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 dht4me

dht4me's avatar
dht4me
80 posts
 

Many have been down this road.

There are a few generalizations to consider:

1 Small rooms are easier to energize at low volumes and the listening position is closer.

2 Speaker size effects low volume listening. Big speakers are generally designed for big rooms and the resultant higher volumes which translates to driver suspensions designed for high spl vs smaller drivers designed for more modest max spl. Only a few drivers have suspensions/spiders that work well over a wide range and they are expensive. Satori drivers are very good over wide volume ranges being they use those excellent German spiders.

3. Noise floor starts to be a huge issue. Big amps are generally not happiest there which is probably why the SE tube amps and FR setups are so recommended.

4 Fletcher-Munson curves  come into play and some speakers have a good voicing for non ear blasting levels but EQ can really go a long way.

I currently have 5 pairs of big speakers, Apogee Divas, Thiel CS5i's, BD Orpheans,  Pure Audio Project Quattro 15 w the AER BD-3b and Sound Labs A3's I can say that the 2 high eff setups do indeed sound better at low volumes as well as the Sound Labs but not to the extent of the PAP setup.

Wilson Audio now uses the Satori drivers with the above mentioned spiders in some of their designs and they are the ones people like at low volume. Magico has those German sourced spiders as well in several designs.

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