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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 1 response by rrog

rrog
1,958 posts
 
The problem is not your amplifier. I had the same experience with Totem Model Ones. They needed a good amount of volume from my Krell KSA 80B for the sound to become balanced.

When Robert Reina reviewed the Cayin A-50T he reviewed it with Monitor Audio Silver RS6 speakers. He said "the Cayin's midrange reproduction was that of an amplifier able to resolve an extraordinary amount of inner detail". "With every recording I played, the highs were pure, extended, airy and delicate, with no trace of coloration."

This detail is what you are missing with the Totem speakers at low volume.

Maybe you should try the Monitor Audio Silver RS6 speakers. They seem to be a good match with your amp.
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