Low Volumes

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(one thing if you have complaining neighbors: get a rat shack sound pressure level meter. Then you can argue exactly what you sound level is from the seared position, and REPEAT it for a manager etc to hear it. if your music is not measured, you cannot argue and the other person will always be right)

Elizabeth,
In my limited knowledge of the law,in most noise complaints,the other person is always right(not a concept I believe in,but true).The authorities(super,manager,cops,etc.) could care less about what spl's your system is producing,just that someone complained.The argument will be,sure it's not loud now but it was an hour ago.Now if your building,community,etc. has specific guidelines and states what level constitutes "loud" then you "might" have a leg to stand on.When it is the complainant versus you the complainant will win every time.Just some of my rambling thoughts.

As Larryi suggests, the bass energy is easily transmissible in many cases. In mine, it is not the bass energy which comes through (unless one is right beneath, but my speakers are placed where it is impossible for my neighbors to be under) but piano. YMMV depending on the materials/construction between you and your neighbors Many horns will be deficient in deep bass, but high efficiency bass drivers can do low SPL bass quite well I find, and as long as the bass drivers are high efficiency, integration can be handled well enough.

You might consider bringing your speakers further out into the room. This should help reduce the bass reflections off the walls and help keep them from resonating, like a subwoofer in a car turns the whole car into a big resonating object.

Good luck.

Jim

How about a pair Magnepan 1.7 speakers with an Audio Research 100 watt tube amp. I think it would sound great. It would not go loud but that is what you want.

As an apt. dweller and the manager; here's how it goes: Your neighbor shouldn't even be able to know your stereo is on-- after 10pm. Meaning; if they can hear it,it's to loud.This applies to TVs, more often or low priced stereo systems. (There are no audiophiles here.)
I got 94 units and there are many types here. Some can hear a mouse fart,three floors above;(and they will let you know about it.)
I do have a unique advantage. When the apt. next to me is empty I can go over there at 3am and listen.
I have 4x8 panels of "sound board",from Home Depot; lining that wall.--That sucked the life out of the music so I had to add vinyl covered panel over the sound board. Also, this does nothing to control the bass,period.
My solutions are a great power conditioner;great cables and great components.---As to extract all the music---or as much of it as to be satisfying at lower listening levels.