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Speakers for low-level listening

My listening area is in an open family room (not ideal, I know, but no other option at present). This means much of my late evening listening in at low levels.

I am presently running B&W 804d4 speakers with a McIntosh MA352 hybrid integrated amp. I like the combination of these components, but the B&Ws seem to lose some detail and sparkle at low listening levels. What comparable floor standing speakers would offer superior low level listening SQ?

I am considering Focal Sopra 2 or perhaps even AK6 Klipschorns (I previously had Klipsch Cornwalls and found them very enjoyable for low level listening). I am especially interested in insights from anyone who has paired McIntosh amplification with either of these speakers or others that performed exceptionally well at low listening levels. 

lance348
ricco275's avatar
ricco275
76 posts
 

TAD ME1 with roon equaliser or Loki max.

sfgak
119 posts
 

+1 on the Loki Max.

michaellent's avatar
michaellent
196 posts
 

+1@jasrralfu

personally I hate headphones.  Headphones don’t cut it for me. I have to feel the music even if it’s just a little because it’s quiet, think Symphony. User equalizer and turn up the base  

Bent

fsonicsmith's avatar
fsonicsmith
959 posts
 

This has been covered many times before. Using what equates to little more than a loudness button is antiquated thinking.  Ultra-sensitive loudspeakers, often horn-loaded, are more dynamic. Dynamic range at all volume levels, including at low levels, is higher. The human brain perceives increased dynamic range as more satisfying at low listening levels. You yourself already wrote;

I previously had Klipsch Cornwalls and found them very enjoyable for low level listening

So, I have to ask, haven't you already answered your own question?

lewl28
46 posts
 

I really like Harbeth 40.3 or SHL5XD for low to moderate listening volumes.  I had Focal Scala Utopia EVOs and prefer the Harbeths for moderate volume listening. 

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