Which speakers excel at low volume?


I do much of my listening at lower volumes than I imagine most of you do: 60-70db for me much of the time. I understand why many speakers are designed to sound correct at live-music levels, and the hell with how they sound at lower levels. But that doesn't work for me. I need a speaker that resolves details, conveys proper tone and timbre, expresses microdynamics, and has a respectable balance, including a sense of weight, even at low volume. (Low volume does not mean low amplifier power.) This is an aspect of loudspeaker performance that is rarely addressed in reviews. It must be that most audiophiles don't care about it, or that reviewers feel it is not a criterion that loudspeakers are or should be designed for. Fair enough, but I still want what I want.

I used to have original Quad electrostatics, which were terrific at low volume. My ProAc Response 2.5s aren't bad (though they don't resolve detail too well even at high volume). The Thiel 1.6 is pretty good, the 2.4 less so.

What have you heard, particularly in dynamic speakers, that fits my requirements?
drubin

Showing 2 responses by stehno

I'd venture a guess that you're looking at the wrong component.

I believe it is the appropriate amplifier (more so than the dynamic speakers) that will provide what you are seeking.

-IMO
I think looking for the right amplification will do far more for you than looking for the right speaker.

With the right amplification, most any speaker will sound a whole lot more efficient, rich, detailed, and full even at lower volumes.

With the wrong amplification, it matters little which speaker you choose. Regardless of volume.

-IMO