I use Focal Utopia headphones for late night listening at realistic levels. They are incredible. I regularly listen to two systems (one on the house main level and one on my walk out basement level). The upstairs system is a BAT VK-33 preamp with a BAT VK-76SE power amp and Focal Electra 1037 Be speakers with matching Focal SW 1000 Be subwoofer. The downstairs system is a BAT VK-31 preamp with a BAT VK-600SE power amp and Legacy Focus SE speakers. The Utopia headphones are a great alternative for late night listening when I want to keep my wife happy!
Speakers for low-level listening
My listening area is in an open family room (not ideal, I know, but no other option at present). This means much of my late evening listening in at low levels.
I am presently running B&W 804d4 speakers with a McIntosh MA352 hybrid integrated amp. I like the combination of these components, but the B&Ws seem to lose some detail and sparkle at low listening levels. What comparable floor standing speakers would offer superior low level listening SQ?
I am considering Focal Sopra 2 or perhaps even AK6 Klipschorns (I previously had Klipsch Cornwalls and found them very enjoyable for low level listening). I am especially interested in insights from anyone who has paired McIntosh amplification with either of these speakers or others that performed exceptionally well at low listening levels.