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 musicaddict

musicaddict
370 posts
 

I think the basic tonal quality of the speaker has a lot to o with how it might sound at a lower volume. For me, highly accurate, analytical, or 'resolving' speakers lose even more body as they are turned down. +1 Sonus Faber, Rockport, Joseph, et al.

An amp can have a lot to do with low level body and resolution. I moved from a W4S STI-1000 huge Cl D integrated to an Odyssey Audio Kismet stereo amp a month ago and the microdynamics and detail I now hear are even more than I thought possible at 65-70 dB listening when reading. It draws me in.

Finding speakers amp that sound nice at 60-70db with no equalization in the audio chain will mean that same set up will probably be unusable at real volumes. You'll have to pick if EQ is a no-no.  

So, love or hate DSP, I will say that the DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 I use for room correction, and some minimal eq lowering, has made the sound of my two-channel system very audibly better. I don't think folks understand how low, flat bass (non-room-lumpy bass) can sound so stunning when controlled.

PLUS the unit has the equivalent of a loudness control for both bass and treble curves easily used on the fly. The speakers in our room, Raidho D2s sound clear as bell, and luscious at 65dB with bass that'll stun you despite how quiet it seems.

I vote at the very least for a loudness control, and at the very best, one of the high-end DEQX units that I've lusted after.  It could be tricky otherwise unless you're willing to give up the best sound at one end of the volume chart (low or not low).   Good luck. Keep asking and researching.

 

More to discover