2. speakers
  3. 193047-112139

SPEAKERS THAT SOUND ALIVE & DYNAMIC AT LOW LISTENING LEVELS

  1. Seeking speakers that sound alive and dynamic at 55 dbs with occasional peaks at 60 dbs. Headphones do not work for me. My ears were just tested and ENT advised my ears are normal for a 72 year old. He said that I have normal age related hearing loss. My ears are uncomfortable when I listen over 55 dbs.  My current system is as follows:

Martin Logan11A impression loudspeakers with 2 SVS 4000 subs. 

Bryston 4B3 Cubed power amp & Bryston BP-19 preamp.

Chord Qutest Dac-with LHY linear power supply.   

Lumin U2 mini  streamer with S Booster power supply.

Before I change speakers I plan to upgrade my DAC to Weiss 204 with Linear power supply, and then purchase Schitt Audio Loki Max equalizer (to boost bass and treble) hopefully to counteract Fletcher Munson Curve.

Finally I was thinking of Klipsch Forte 4 & Cornwall 4, and Frigg 2 by O Audio, as

reviews of all three say they all sound great at low volumes.   I know many say Klipsch is not high end or very revealing, but is there anybody out there that owns or has heard any of the above. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I enjoy this hobby and the great music it brings to the table. I don't want to stop listening and just seeking to find a solution that would allow me to continue musical enjoyment.

Thanks for your thoughts.
 

 

128x128kjl1065
dickieboy's avatar
dickieboy
63 posts
 

I agree that hearing aids should be your first upgrade. A nice tube preamp might be next step. 

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,836 posts
 

@deep_333 I have long been intrigued by that speaker pictrued but have never heard it. At 103 dB/watt is should excell at low volumes. I do worry that it doesn’t have the mid bass driver that this manufacturer usually uses. However, the designer prides himself on a flat frequency response so I’m sure he has it figured out. I do have a lot of experience with this brand (although not in my system right now) and the low mass midrange array is one of the best upper midrange performers I’ve ever heard and it does sound great at low levels.

Jerry

audiojacks's avatar
audiojacks
18 posts
 

Try hORNS out of Poland. Beautifully engineered and designed speaker line that give Avantgarde a run for the money.

I have the hORNS Universum MK4, paired with Jeff Rowland 925 monos and Rowland Coherence II preamp. Sounds amazing at low volume regardless of the input.

glenmschneider
34 posts
 

I would recommend looking at Joseph Crowe Audio for a pair of horns. 
he makes numerous options that are perfect for low level listening, which is how I listen most nights. 

gemoody
156 posts
 

@kjl1065. About 2-3 weeks ago I started a similar thread.  I had similar issues and desires.  You can read more by searching that thread and my user name.

Long story short, I solved my own issue by purchasing a Shiit Loki Max EQ. Cool device, kind of expensive.  Their cheaper models might do the trick, fewer frequency ranges to tweak.  Your mileage may vary.

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