The Low Volume Loudness Dilemma

@bdp24 speaks the truth about efficiency

Speakers are calibrated at 1 watt @ 1 meter at the factory. Marketing materials are printed and distributed using this standard spec. So far, so good.

A "medium efficiency" speaker, say 85db (@ 1 watt) produces, duh, 85 decibels at 1 watt. When producing 75 db, this drops to 1/10 watt. Things are quite different inside that speaker box at those minuscule power levels. And, the sound will altered considerably.

Case in point:

We were a dealer with a wide range of speakers of various sizes and efficiencies. I decided to do a low listening level listening test with a (very) high efficiency speaker vs a medium efficiency (highly regarded) model. Somewhere north of 10 db difference in their efficiencies.

First, the medium efficiency: With volume starting at zero and slowly working our way up to just above the threshold of hearing, the sound was pretty much as we expected. Nicely rendered. But, a strong departure from its full volume levels.

Then, the (very) high efficiency speaker: Volume starting at zero, as before. Then slowly raising the volume to the same "just above the threshold of hearing" level. The music was dynamic, with some subtle characteristics of a live performance. Bandwidth was greatly improved. Yes, real bass. And, high end extension. Micro-dynamics, absent in the other example, were audible and engaging. This was simply a comparison that was no comparison.

This is not a "pitch" for high efficiency speakers, but merely a statement that low energy applied to a high efficiency driver can move things around in a more energetic (and musically satisfying) way.  At low listening levels, we're experiencing the "perfect storm" of flaws in human hearing PLUS mechanical/electrical limitations of the speaker.  

As far as enhancement devices (EQs, loudness contours, etc) are concerned, it would be nice if they could be placed in a tape or accessory loop so they can be switch in/out of the signal path at normal listening levels.

"As far as enhancement devices (EQs, loudness contours, etc) are concerned, it would be nice if they could be placed in a tape or accessory loop so they can be switch in/out of the signal path at normal listening levels."

Yes, this. The ARC SP3 preamp had a tone defeat button. Along with the usual treble and bass controls, it had a knob for something they called "Contour", aka loudness. I rarely used them but when I did I was quite happy to have them.

I'm all for the 'straight wire with gain' philosophy but in the real world, a bit of help is not a bad thing IMHO.

Happy listening.

I have the the newish Luxman L-507z. It has Bass and Treble controls and yes a Loudness button. It also has a line straight button that bypasses everything and is pure from the amp. I listen at 70db at nite on my cornwall IVs. Almost sounds too loud sometimes late at nite. But they sound is deep and rich withe great upper extension. Just a normal family room with no treatment. I rarely use any tone controls at all

My experience has been how well a system performs at low volume is hard to pin exactly to the source. However mine has gotten better and better at lower and lower volumes the better my system has gotten and now I happily enjoy 65 - 70 db. At this volume I get the fully nuanced and dynamic sound I crave. When playing a symphony I adjust it to where the sounds just barely audible coming from the sound floor are that, and crescendos are at the upper limit of undistorted hearing. But symphonies have the highest dynamic range.

From your descriptions of what you value in sound quality suggests that an equalizer is your solution. You want it to sound loud when it is not. If I were you, I would get the best quality equalizer you can. Folks that love loud music tend to appreciate the dynamics and force and not so much the nuanced detail… so the equalizer will improve what you love and not effect what you don’t.

The problem with loudness contour functions in most implementations is that they fail to calibrate to a reference level.  Most overcompensate, and become boom generators.  In this respect, Yamaha’s variable loudness is superior to others.  The best implementation is YPAO Volume, a feature of MusicCast, which takes a microphone snapshot of your room and speaker together, and sets the reference level, EQ, and loudness compensation in one holistic swoop.  Next best is a preamp with a traditional loudness button used with an amplifier equipped with variable input gain. You lower the gain so that the volume setting where compensation tapers off matches the loudness your ear tells you you no longer need it…the “reference level”.  The last best way is with an equalizer.  I use a Schiit Loki+ in the EPL of my Conrad Johnson PF-R linestage, and it helps a lot.