Fletcher Munson Curve:
- At low volumes, mid-range frequencies are more prominent while lows and highs seem to fade into the background.
- At high volumes, the lows and highs become more prominent, while the mid-range becomes softer.
Schitt Loki Max equalizer to counteract the Fletcher Munson curve…
@kjl1065 - so I’m guessing that you’re boosting both bass and treble at low volume levels?
…. want to hear first, before buying
@kjl1065 - Ideally, it’s best to try a component in one’s own audio chain but is often not feasible. The next best is to demo elsewhere, but keep in mind that they are using different audio components than yours and that often at audio shows Sonics suffer from poor room integration.
Google “high end audio stores” to find local options to demo
Also, attend the T.H.E. New York International Audio Show: This show is a reimagining of the original New York Audio Show, acquired by T.H.E. Enterprises. The first edition under this new ownership will be held in October 24-26, 2025.
I attended T.H.E. Show 2023 in LA and they did a great job, heard 2024 was even better.
Suggest bringing your own music to demo to test acoustic instruments (piano, violins…), voices, frequency extensions, etc. Maybe include high-quality recordings and recordings you are familiar with including those that resonate with you.
Also, if possible demo at your desired lower volume to test frequencies extreme - then try to compare (from memory) to your current unequalized to get an idea of how much eq you’ll need for your tastes.
Volti Razz, Lucera, JBL 4349, JBL 4367, Devore 0/96, and Zu Audio
These are very efficient speakers, so not sure how your high powered amp would match. I’ll comment based on my demos at numerous high end audio shows like AXPONA and audio stores, but it’s only your subjective preference that really matters.
Volti horn speakers are quick, effortless, and relatively linear/neutral for a horned speaker. It will be very transparent of your chains electronics. Very high efficiency speakers are typically mated with low watt tube amps or other low watt warm amps like First Watt. As Volti directly competes with Klipsch Sonics the sonic performance is superior, however your subjective preference may prefer Klipsch. I own the Volti Rival to investigate low watt tube midrange magic including flea watt SET amps.
Devore O/96 is maybe the most musical speakers I’ve demoed. Besides my major issues with storage room and budget, maybe someday I’ll get a pair - switching tube amps between my neutral Volti and O/96 seems dry appealing
JBL I find musical. Zu Audio seems to be love it or dislike - not many in the “it sounds good, but not in my primary choices” middle ground.
+1 PearlAcoustics - because of the great Sonics, I sat for an extended demo at AXPONA 2025. Compared to its price, seems high value - Sonics punching above its price point.