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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. 

lance348

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,026 posts
 

The headphone suggestion is the best one. I work very late at night (1-2AM) and my headphones keep me going and motivated to stay up. I usually start the phones around 9PM.

I can recommend 3 headphones that are top if the heap. A few days ago, I bought the RAAL SR1a for the second time. This phone is the most 2-channel like of the 3 and maybe of all headphones. It is called an earphone and not a headphone due to the way it is placed on your head.

  • The RAAL CA-1a is a killer phone for the price (under $2k)
  • The RAAL 1995 Immanis is considered amongst the very phones, but it is $10k.
  • The RAAL SR1a or SR1b is a mini 2-channel system on your ears. I never should have sold it in the first place and have corrected that mistake (and made some profit)

Your MAC integrated amp will drive the CA-1a and the SR1a well. The Immanis may not be a good match if the amp is too powerful. RAAL has the TI-1b adapter that will interface with the MAC integrated.

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