The issues are multi-faceted. Some speakers really do need to be played at a certain level before they "come alive" like Frampton. EQ can help your perception of certain frequencies, but if your speakers "don't sing" at lower levels with a decent dynamic range, then they will simply not sound their best. EQ is the first place to start by boosting lows and highs, but at the end of the day, you might have better luck with getting some more "lively" speakers that offer a dynamic range even at lower volumes.
In my bedroom I have some ancient 92 dB efficient ADS L520 speakers and play them at roughly 50 dB before going to sleep. I have EQed them using a streamer app running Tidal. To me they sound great, even at that low of a volume.
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