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

@OP. I have no experience of the Totems but it is certainly the case that certain speakers do not sound right at low volume levels and sensitivity measurements are not always a perfect guide to that. You could try something like a pair of DeVore O series - that will tell you if there is potential for a speaker replacement.

I'm curious, given the room dimensions and the picture with the LPs, it looks like the speakers are about four feet apart. Are you really that compromised regarding placement?

What is the voice coil diameter on the Totem drivers? You want 26mm. 38mm like Scan speak and Dynadio take tons of power to get going and never sound good at low volumes.

I do not know about sensitivity playing a part. I had some 88dB sensitivity and the bass did not kick in until 85dB.  I prefer no crossover for low volume.

+EQ - Fletcher Munson curve

Good input.  Lots to consider.  Volume, Amp, speakers, EQ, room, tubes, voice coil diameter, F-M Curve …

I will try the EQ first.  I have thought about higher sensitivity speakers, always wondered about Fyne F700/701.  A tube amp has been in the back of my mind, but there is much, for me, to love about the Accuphase vibe, and it is still new-ish.

@yoyoyaya yes, very close together, an unfortunate room limitation. Contributes to issue?

@cdc cannot find spec info for voice coil diameter, and more clues?

@moonwatcher thanks for the Frampton reference 

@elliottbnewcombjr good info on the Loki bands, thx.

@deep_333 your right, time to sell everything.👎

Will do some research into the Fletcher-Munson Curve.  Any recommended resources.

appreciate the Forum and it inhabitants.

I use a Loki Max for this very purpose and it works great for me. I live in a tiny NYC apartment and using it to bump the low and the high end when I want to listen late at night without bothering my wall neighbors works well. It’s just what my Tannoy Stirlings needed for that situation.