Many horn type systems sound quite good at lower volume levels (they really shine in terms of clarity and dynamic liveliness at all volume levels), and, because they tend to be deficient in low bass response, they can be played a touch louder without bothering the neighbors (bass energy is MUCH more easily transmitted through walls, ceilings and floors). The trouble here is that they tend to be really big in size and many have a distinctively nasal coloration.
Dipole speakers (e.g., Magneplanars, Quad electrostatics) have the advantage of out of phase cancellation of the front and back wave where they interact at the side of the speaker. This means that the soundfield between the speaker can be fairly loud, with less intensity outside of the listening area. I was shocked at how much louder my current horn-based system sounds outside of the listening area when compared to the electrostics they replaced. The problem with dipoles in an apartment is that they really do need to be at least 4-5 ft from the back wall to sound decent.
Some regular dynamic speakers that I think sound pretty good at lower volumes include the classic Spendors (not so much the newer line of floorstanding speakers), Harbeth speakers, the Reynaud Trente speakers and the small tower speakers from Trenner and Friedl.
I would also look at speakers from Audionote (uk). These are designed for corner placement, though the bass can be a bit lumpy to me in that location, so they are very apartment friendly. These are quite lively sounding speakers at lower volume and have the advantage of needing only a modest amount of power.
The first poster mentioned Triangle speakers. I don't know about the specific model mentioned, but, that line really does offer a lot for lower volume listening. They sound very lively and clear without being overbearingly bright (tough trick to pull off).
After you find that pair of speakers that do the trick for you, then you can search for a suitable amplifier. The choice of amp is very much dependent on the speaker to which it will be coupled. Efficient and easy to drive speakers, like the Audionote speakers, have a big advantage because many of the better sounding amps that don't cost a fortune are lower powered amps.
Good luck on your search.
Dipole speakers (e.g., Magneplanars, Quad electrostatics) have the advantage of out of phase cancellation of the front and back wave where they interact at the side of the speaker. This means that the soundfield between the speaker can be fairly loud, with less intensity outside of the listening area. I was shocked at how much louder my current horn-based system sounds outside of the listening area when compared to the electrostics they replaced. The problem with dipoles in an apartment is that they really do need to be at least 4-5 ft from the back wall to sound decent.
Some regular dynamic speakers that I think sound pretty good at lower volumes include the classic Spendors (not so much the newer line of floorstanding speakers), Harbeth speakers, the Reynaud Trente speakers and the small tower speakers from Trenner and Friedl.
I would also look at speakers from Audionote (uk). These are designed for corner placement, though the bass can be a bit lumpy to me in that location, so they are very apartment friendly. These are quite lively sounding speakers at lower volume and have the advantage of needing only a modest amount of power.
The first poster mentioned Triangle speakers. I don't know about the specific model mentioned, but, that line really does offer a lot for lower volume listening. They sound very lively and clear without being overbearingly bright (tough trick to pull off).
After you find that pair of speakers that do the trick for you, then you can search for a suitable amplifier. The choice of amp is very much dependent on the speaker to which it will be coupled. Efficient and easy to drive speakers, like the Audionote speakers, have a big advantage because many of the better sounding amps that don't cost a fortune are lower powered amps.
Good luck on your search.