The key to my low volume dynamics is a AVC volume control by Bent Audio / Dave Slagle and a distributed bass system . I have 86 db sealed speakers .
Low volume listening dynamics
Hey all, question: I listen to music at a relatively low volume, but I still want the clarity to hear the details. So, will a high sensitivity speaker/driver (95 and above) give me more detail at lower volume than a less sensitive speaker? Or am I on the track in my logic (not the first time)? Or are my ears getting old? Thanks all!
- ...
- 70 posts total
hi all, so at the level of the enthusiasts that have been posting in this engaging thread, a variety of approaches will work beautifully. I love quiet listening on a system that wouldn't seem to lend itself to it: inefficient speakers paired with a robust solid state integrated. Fortunately, my Accuphase E-470 not only has nice tone controls and a loudness circuit, it also has an exquisitely engineered volume control. My ATC 40's respond with their usual vibrancy even when a certain light-sleeping spouse is sleeping essentially right above the main listening room. ~oran |
Hi tmalkki I think the trick to great low level volume listening is crossover less single driver speakers with a low watt SET amp. In my experience with multi driver speakers if you want to listen to low volume the low power signal gets caught up in the crossovers and not all the signal gets to the output and you lose some of that detail in the music. With multi driver speakers to get that detail you have to play it loud so the high power signal can overcome what it loses in the cross over.With crossover less single driver speakers none of the signal gets lost at any volume what goes in the speaker comes out the same, you hear all the music I think if you google single driver crossover less speakers and low watt SET amps with low volume listening you will find the information about the concept and they will explain it a lot better then I did. Some one in this thread advised you to check out the Decware web site I think you should as well and also the Omega speaker web site. I had a stereo years ago big power full amp and multi driver speakers and I could only get good detail in the music at uncomfortable ( for me ) volume levels. How ever for a number of years now have a system as described above and I can get great detail with comfortable volumes. Big is not necessarily better ! Thanks Bob PS My amp only has 2 watts per channel but I can tell you those 2 watts are outstanding. |
Hi tmalkki I don’t usually make amp recommendations but I will in this case. https://www.decware.com/newsite/SE84UFO25.html I have this amp and it is amazing. Call Steve Deckert he is the owner and designer. He will be happy to talk to you and he won’t BS you either.Check out the the Decware website forum there is a lot of good info there about tube amps (PP, SET, SEP) there is also a couple threads about the amp I recommended He also has a 30 day money back guarantee. The one downside as he builds all his gear by hand and built to order it can take as much as 4 months to get it but in my case it was definitely worth the wait. Thanks Bob |
- 70 posts total