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Low Volumes

I live in Manhattan and live in a modest-sized studio. I'm currently set up with a Cayin A-50T and Totem Rainmakers. I love the sound they produce, but generally only when I increase the volumes to more than moderate levels. Unfortunately, neighbors (including complaining ones) exist. Is there a speaker/amp combo that would give me much fuller, satisfying sound at lower levels? I had vowed to avoid the "upgrade" bug, but feel this is a valid reason. My budget would be $4k-$5k (for both speaker and amp; each used).

Do I need better speakers? Model 1s crossed my mind. Better amp? A Luxman 505u crossed my mind.

Other components (if they matter): Cardas Crosslink interconnects, entry-level nordost bi-wire, Chordette DAC.
northern3light

Showing 3 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,631 posts
 
Triangle Titus XS (<$400 used) monitors are perhaps the most articulate speakers I have heard at low volume. I would compare these to Dynaudio monitors that I own that are more like Totem and excel at higher volumes. They are also about 90db efficient and are known to mate well with tube amps.

Magneplanars are another good choice but can be harder to position optimally in tight quarters.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,631 posts
 
The OHM speakers in my system currently nearfield at low volume late at night is hard to fault also.

I was just listening to "Love Is Like Oxygen" by Sweet on my rig that way at low volume. I never realized how much really good audio stuff goes on in that trite tune by that way under appreciated pop rock band from the 70s!
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,631 posts
 
A good quality dynamic range compression device (like the old home dbx units or perhaps even newer digital solutions) might be helpful in cases where music has wide dynamic swings, like orchestral music, yet the volume must stay low.
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