Nearfield Low-Level Listening : New Speakers or EQ? Thoughts?


In my main rig, I listen nearfield at low levels, and I do not feel the music sounds fully engaging until moderate-to-loud volumes. Have been told my speakers, Totem Forest Signature, "need power to sing". I have ordered a Schiit Loki Max EQ; wondering if that will do the trick or do I need to consider new speakers? I use the Loudness/Comp feature on my integrated amp, it helps some. Listen to 70s, Jazz, Americana, ...

My System:

  • Accuphase E-380 Integrated
    • 180 watts into 4 ohms and 120 watts into 8 ohms.
    • High damping factor of 500.
  • Totem Forest Signature Speakers
    • Impedance: 8 ohms (6.4 ohms minimum)
    • Sensitivity: 87 dB
    • Recommended Power: 50 - 225 watts
  • Rose HiFi RS-150B Streamer/DAC
  • Thorens 1601 TT, Schiit Skol Pre, Nagoaka Cart
  • REL Classic 98 Subwoofer, Speakon connection
  • XLR Connections, Bi-Wired Speakers
  • Shunyata Power Conditioner

 

gemoody

Showing 1 response by audiotroy

op you are barking up the wrong tree

 

your amplifier has more then enough power

 

changing to greater efficiency loudspeakers wont fix it nor will eq

low levet listening involves the flecher munson curve which dictates the ear is less adept at hearing low bass at lower levels you might think adding a sub would fix tha it wont as a good woofer just adds pressure to the leading and trailing notes of the totems the man sound is just coming from the totems

 

and an eq is too likely to muck up your tonal balance without offering enough finessee to fix the issue

 

having heard the totem forests for years you need a warmer fuller sounding loudspeaker with greater mid-bass response

please lk at a pair  of Legacy signatures or a pair of Harbeths to completely give you what you are craving.

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect NJ

legacy dealer