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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 carlsbad2

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,023 posts
 

I listen nearfield at low levels.  It isn't your speakers as much as your electronics.  Most amps suck at low power levels.  tube amps is the best solution but there are others.  of course with tube amps you may need more sensitive speakers. 

But I've tried driving sensitive speakers with high power amps.  if you take a 300 watt power amp and turn it down to 0.1 watt, it will suck.  lets just say I've never heard one that doesn't.

Jerry

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