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 sounds_real_audio

My listening experience with Avalon speakers was not that impressive. They seem a little slow and wooden sounding in the lower mid. The sound you say you are looking for, fast with high resolution, but not in your face detail, should also communicate the micro dynamics, often glanced over in the hunt for speakers. Some times the hope of finding a better sound from the same old wooden boxes ends up simply being new type of shiny drivers.

 

I would highly recommend Wilson Benesch speakers.  Heavily relying upon carbon fiber, not for driver use but rather to add the superb acoustical properties of carbon fiber to the cabinet construction. Carbon fibers are long and can be woven to both direct the energy away from the thinest part of the cabinet, the drivers, to the back of the cabinet which on some models an aluminum spine sheds the energy down into the spikes to the floor. The sound energy vibrates the billions of molecules and moving at 18,000 feet per second, away from the front of the speaker as that energy is converted to vibrational energy part of which is converted to heat. This is how stealth aircraft avoid radar. Converting the radar to heat not letting it return to the radar.

 

A little long explanation but with all this technology the fear is they won’s play music. This has been a very long term project for WB. A number of years ago they came out with a model that drew acclaim as the most accurate speaker available. I was not a fan. Only a few years later they found the sweet spot make music easily accessible.

 

Not sure on your electronics however it might be better to get your speakers let them break in before you change out other gear. You might make yourself crazy doing that.

 

Just read your post again.  If you live in an apartment the Benesch speakers are clean and fast. Where most speakers will double at 40 hz and the 80 Hz waves always seem to get the sheetrock moving and the neighbors complaining.