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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 larryi

larryi
3,718 posts
 

Many single-driver, high efficiency systems and horn-based systems do excel at low volume liveliness.  But, many have a “peaky” or rough sound, so there are tradeoff you have to work around (meaning you should hear them first).  
 

For example, Zu speakers sound extraordinarily dynamic, with a very sharp attack, but they sound brittle and unpleasant to me after listening for more than a few minutes.  Classic Klipsch speakers are also a bit rough, but only a bit, and they may work.

One of my favorite speakers is the Charney Companion.  It is a single driver, high efficiency system that is smooth and natural sounding with very good dynamics.  It is a little outside of your price range and I would bet it is impossible to audition in Europe.  Charney does have less costly models which I have not heard.

To me, the best bet would be Audio Note speakers.  The are relatively compact and are meant to be place near the corners of the room or a back wall.  These speakers sound full and rich and lively at modest volume levels.

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