Choosing an integrated for low volume listening


Is there anything in the Amp - Speaker combo that makes one combination better for lower-volume listening? I would guess the variables are Class A vs A/B, speaker sensitivity, and current.

Room: 13’ x 13’

Stand mount - Aerial 5T (I think)

Integrated options: Pass Int-60, Lux 509X, ML 5802, Lux 590ax II

Overkill for the space - nope, love it. 

 

smoothtech

I assume you like the 5T then? I’ve love that line from their beginning. Those or a 20 year old pair of Linn 5040 (?) - those were the speakers that sold me on 2-channel. LOVE that sound.

+1 on variable loudness

ryder, use a crappy meter on my phone, but 50 was my sweet spot while still being able to read, whiteboard, and email. I can push that to 60 comfortably, 40 probably a minimum. 

And you nailed it, I turned up a bit to what seemed ideal, meter showed 71 db. 

The Yamaha A-S801 has a variable loudness feature.  It’s not as fancy as the options listed by the OP, though. 

Recently sold our house and now residing in a nice apartment. System consolidated somewhat. Recently picked up a Simaudio Moon ACE that I was really impressed with. So much so that I then turned around and upgraded to the Simaudio Moon 340i D3PX which has a DAC and phonstage built in. The first 5 watts are class A which provides me the low level listening performance I was looking for with my Dynaudio Heritage Specials.

I’ve had a great experience with my Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated’s low volume performance. I find that I can detect all of its character and tonality coming from my speakers even at the absolute lowest volume setting. I’ve never seen an amp do that before, where these qualities are maintained regardless of volume. There is no loudness control. But I don’t feel it’s needed..

Low volume performance of the Diablo 300 has been commented on in several reviews as well. Not sure of the less expensive Diablo 120 has this trait as well - could be an option.