2. speakers
  3. 159980-134614

...bookshelf speakers that sound good at low volume...

Hello to all...

Looking for new bookshelf speakers that sound good at low volume

CD-only listening; powering with 35w/8ohm Monoprice integrated, with silver interconnects; speaker cable home made twisted 14g solid core copper, bare wire connected to JBL L25 "PRIMA" Big 2-ways...

In approx. 14’ x14’ room in apt: multi use area - dining/kitchen/tv-gaming

If dedicated listening: approx 8’away (speaker cabinets 6’ center to center; speakers are not mirror-image const.)

Speakers sound great at medium+ volume - they really sing - but are really muddy and not detailed at low volume.

Options: replace integrated with vintage or new 50-75w/ch (with or without DAC) OR new or vintage bookshelf speakers... budget $500-$1000 max.

Located in Metro NYC area...

At present - I am gonna keep the JBLs: could their low volume presentation change with a better or higher wattage integrated?

I know I am casting a wide net here, not looking for " try it - see how it sounds": looking for experiences and opinions based on trial and errors of others willing to share.

Thanks in advance to all... Best Wishes - Be Well...
insearchofprat
audition__audio
1,339 posts
 
I have always found tube amps to sound better than S.S. at lower volumes given speakers which are tube friendly. By tube friendly I mean a a speaker with a higher impedance. I dont think that buying a more powerful amp is the answer, I think that getting new speakers would be a better solution but your budget is very low.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 
actually tubes sound fantastic  on the lowest transformer tap, called light loading re Roger Modjeski of Music Reference fame.

but for resolution and. detail at lower volume, you need better watts not more. Go see Johnny Rutan in Verona, he can help you. @audioconnecion
singintheblues
96 posts
 
Something I struggled with for years!!!    And I went through every speaker from 15” Tannoys & Harbeths from their biggest 40.1 to the little P3ESR (as suggested above) in search of the answer.

The problem isn’t your speakers.  Have a read on Fletcher Munson Curve.

Some people will tell you “I’ve got XYZ speaker & it sounds great at low volumes”.   I’ve sat in rooms with guys who clearly can’t hear or feel bass or dynamics.  Music with no bass or life for me isn’t worth listening to.

I would suggest you look into an integrated with a Boost button.   That’s what they’re for, low level listening.   Or some other form of EQ.   Or get a good quality sealed Sub (which I have) that you can tweak to suit your level.


Good luck!
erik_squires
15,875 posts
 
Tone controls, especially loudness buttons, were designed especially for this problem.  They let you tailor your sound to your listening mode.

However, if you want to do this the most expensive way, with speakers, try Dynaudio or Dali.

Best,

E
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,017 posts
 
Wharfedale 225's excell at this in my opinion...yes not the upper echelon of loud speaker, but a quality speaker at a most reasonable price. 
More to discover