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High end speakers at low volume

After having got accustomed to my new Vitus RI-101 mk II, I came to the conclusion that I need to improve my system's performance at low volume to enjoy music more.

Current sources: LinnLP12, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Nucleus. 
Speakers: Avalon Idea. 
Shunyata Delta NR V2 and Hemingway Indigo PC, Tara Labs Forté, TQ 2 Black diamond IC.

I am looking at replacing the Avalon Idea with speakers that could improve the low volume listening experience. I listen to 60 / 70db, I can afford to go up to 85db for very short time (neighbours).

I am also considering to purchase a Loki Max which I understood being quite a neutral EQ unit.

I have selected a few speakers which should match my musical taste based on what I have read:

- YG Carmel 2
- Wilson Sabrina X
- Vandersteen treo ct
- TAD ME1

I don't have the chance to listen to them except the TAD ME1 which I have enjoyed very much but not in my apartment.

Budget max $15k new or used.

I am looking for speakers sounding musical, with wide soundstage, not cold, detailed yet not analytical.

I mostly listen to classic rock, blues and jazz.

The system sits at the end of the long wall in a living room measuring 33x13ft, listening position 8ft from the speakers.

Unfortunately I have to face a tough WAF putting several limits:

- speakers must have a clean design, not black, not too hifi looking... and not too big
- distance from the wall behind the speakers 25cm

I don't mind changing amplifier if it will be necessary to match the next speakers.

I haven't found a preamp that I could consider a good candidate except a very expensive CSport featuring a loudness button which works very well (tested at Ana Mighty Sound).

I would much appreciate some advice from who knows well the above speakers or who had similar needs.

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anoren
4 posts
 

I have similar limitations, though perhaps worse needing to place my speakers hard in corners. Had SF electa amator IIIs in that position for a while, but they were compromised like that. Sounded great, but sound much better now moved to my kitchen system where they can breath. I ultimately chose Charney Maestros which are designed for corner placement. The Maestro X is larger and designed for placement against the front wall. 

I only live a couple hours from Brian Charney and was able to demo the speakers, which had me spec'ing a pair to work with the decor of my room (they are made to order) that week. Also had him build a 300b amp for me, though I switch to a First Watt M2 for the summer. Given the super high sensitivity of the speakers, 8 watts sounds great at low volume, and can play way louder than my ears could take. 

As mentioned above, I am sure they are impossible to audition, but Brian Charney uses Voxativ and AER drivers, and it may be possible to audition their speakers to see if that approach to single driver speakers suites your taste.

jonwolfpell
390 posts
 

Seems like A high sensitivity speaker would be in order in your case. Check out Volti Audio Razz ( quite good/ true 93db/ around $6K) / Stereophile recommend ) or Rival ( very good/ true 98db/ around $15K). Both are very dynamic, sound great at any volume & have nicely finished cabinets w/ a large array of finish options. They’re sold direct so an audio show or a visit to Volti in TN are the only options to audition them.  

grinnell
1,099 posts
 

I use Reference 3A de Capos 92db eff with a 4 watt Decware amp.  listen at low volumes and the sound is rich.  stand mounts and if you get the i model it has nice wood finish

dmbwire
44 posts
 

A couple of REL subwoofers, connected via high level input, would accomplish exactly what your wanting to hear. They bring out the best / fullness of your system without the need for volume.  

johnk's avatar
johnk
1,975 posts
 

I use horns with a coaxial midrange and dual 21-inch woofers preside in my office system. It's on many hours a day. At times I use it for moves or gaming. Its an amazing-sounding loudspeaker and at lower levels is articulate dynamic engaging with detailed bass. For movies, I can clearly hear spoken words even at low levels. Something conventional designs can not do.

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