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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
ricco275 OP
56 posts
 

@co93 Carmel 2 were on my list. 

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
901 posts
 

Dynaudio Contour 60i might pass the WAF. 

Sonus Faber Guarneri Tradition is good looking as well if you could find a pair used.

 

 

mitsound
30 posts
 

I gave up finding what I was after from pre-made a few years ago, and after a few hiccoughs made my own.

I used a 97db wide range driver with a 91db efficient planar tweeter in a folded open baffle, sized to work with the driver QTS to make a passive highpass filter,  and sum with an H Frame cardioid bass panel and it's own plate amp.

It's not the last word in resolution, but for my all in one system it's great. With movies, even when the absurdly loud parts are played low enough not to bother my neighbours, even whispers are easily followed, without riding the gain control.

Not as revealing as some old Tannoy D700s or an Altec 1505B/ 511B horn set up I made about 10 years ago, but it's smoother and images better in all directions.

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

 

fastfreight
680 posts
 

I  am familiar with amazing low level resolution with both the YG Carmels and my YG Haileys.  I am sure the Audionet electronics and Tambaqui DAC are part of the sound.

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