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...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
luxmancl38
580 posts
 
One of my local dealers recently picked up Fyne Audio. I heard the F500 Bookshelf. Excellent efficient speaker. 89db at 8 ohms. Price $895.
p376p
2 posts
 
If you look for speakers which sound good at low volume, probably you like vocal or violin recordings and not those with lot of bass. I have owned a number of small speakers before like proac, dynaudio, rogers ls3/5a, celeston S600 etc. They all sound good but what surprised me most is the resale value of ls3/5a. All others would depreciate with time and only ls3/5a would not. I bought mine, a pre-owned pair, with $500 about 10 years ago and sold it for $1500 last year.  Unfortunately, it is not easy to get a cheap pair now.
arcangles
18 posts
 
I agree with the comments about a loudness control on your amp and/or use of the Schiit loki to make adjustments yourself. This option would give you better flexibility. I have also experienced that high sensitivity speakers tend to do better at low volumes but can't really say why. At that budget maybe look at the Klipsch RP600's (https://www.stereophile.com/content/klipsch-reference-premiere-rp-600m-loudspeaker)
tmalkki
24 posts
 
Exactly what I was struggling with: enjoying music at low volume. Decided on Schiit Valhalla 2 as pre, icepower 125asx2 class D amp, Audio Nirvana 8" alnico full range drivers and a Martin Logan Abyss for sealed sub. Source is AmazonHD via Audioengine B1. Donald Fagen, Nils Lofgren, Miles Davis, and a hundred others never sounded so good. Doesn't work for everyone, works great for me.
dsnyder0cnn
64 posts
 
In approx. 14’ x14’ room in apt: multi use area - dining/kitchen/tv-gaming…Speakers sound great at medium+ volume - they really sing - but are really muddy and not detailed at low volume.

I also agree with what others have said about the Fletcher Munson curve and possibly adding an equal-loudness contour EQ. However, in a general-purpose room like what you describe with no room treatments, loudspeakers with controlled directivity and more focused dispersion would be helpful for delivering clarity at lower levels.

I know you were looking for bookshelf speakers, but the JBL Studio 570s are a steal at $560/pair right now. Even the massive 590s just fit under your $1k budget if you can take advantage of the current sale.

The hugely popular Klipsch RP-600M would also do a great job of delivering lively dynamics and detail to your listening position at lower levels.
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