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Why is loudness compensation missing from "mid-fi"?

Very often I like to listen at low volume when writing or trying to fall asleep. Without adjusting loudness, a lot of my favorite records sound faint and hollow. My current setup lacks loudness compensation, so I simply fiddle with the tone controls, but it's a crude "solution" and a bit of a nuisance. I've been researching my next upgrade, and I find it strange that some entry level equipment has loudness compensation (e.g. Yamaha A-S301), as does some high end equipment (e.g. Accuphase), but usually nothing in between. (e.g. Yamaha A-S1100). Why is that?

Every time I'm about to pull the trigger on an A-S1100 I talk myself out of it by telling myself I'll still wish I had the Accuphase for loudness compensation. It's annoying, because my setup really doesn't warrant an Accuphase — or maybe it does, if I can't find what I want elsewhere?
lostark
wolf_garcia
6,711 posts
 
Get a Schiit Loki...inexpensive, clean, clear, unobtrusive in all ways, doesn't make itself known when bypassed, and by raising the levels on the treble and bass sides you immediately accomplish what a loudness control does. Put it in a tape loop or between a preamp and amp. Highly recommended.
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,281 posts
 
Many mid-fi integrated amps actually have the opposite .... they have a “DIRECT” button . This bypasses bass, treble, and balance functions when the switch is depressed. This affects all inputs, and will generally give a small improvement in sound quality.

Whatever you feel is lacking also suggests a synergy mismatch between the existing upstream components and the speakers. 
wolf_garcia
6,711 posts
 
Low level listening is always subject to the Fletcher-Munson contours, and that's certainly NOT remedied by bypassing tone controls. It's not a synergy issue at all...it's a perceived tonal issue relative to low level sound. Note I rarely use my Loki EQ unless some recording seems to really need some adjustment...still rare.
erik_squires
16,230 posts
 
+1 @wolf_garcia
The alternative to Wolf's point is to get a pair of speakers for late night listening, and another for full volume.  Just what I need, another pair of speakers.... :D :D
gakerty's avatar
gakerty
175 posts
 
Wolf_garcia, this is exactly what I use my Loki for. It’s on a processor loop from my preamp. I rarely use it as an EQ except for "loudness" needs later at night and/or low level listening. Works like a charm!
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