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Audiogon member suggestions for a speaker that sounds good at low volume!!!

I am looking for speaker suggestions (new or used) in the $1000-$4000 range that sound good at low volume (45-50db).  I listen to mostly jazz and classical music late at night while everyone else is sleeping so the volume is low.  My current speakers are Vandy 2CE sigs and they sound good at higher volume levels but I listen most critically, at low volume and hope to do better.  My amp is a Classe CT-2300 with a Classe CP-800 preamp. I have a larger room 20ft X 20ft but seldom listen to music loud. Monitor of floor standing is fine.  

I understand the limitation of human hearing (Fletcher-Munson Curve) and also an appreciation of the synergy of speaker design, speaker placement and room effects.  Anyone out there have a speaker they like at low volume?

Thank you in advance.


128x1282tuby
2tuby's avatar
2tuby OP
26 posts
 
I do appreciate all the suggestions.Thank you!

I have auditioned two sets of new speakers (Ohm Walsh 3000 and Totem Hawks) and did not feel that either speaker was an improvement over the Vandys. 

I see many used speakers on Audiogon that I would like to audition but that is not a reasonable request when buying a used speaker. I did not want to get into the buying, trying and reselling business, but that looks like my next move.

I think my next venture will  be speakers with a higher sensitivity than the 86 of the Vandys.  

I am still enjoying the search!
conlad
36 posts
 
Harbeth Compact 7's will do what you want admirably but are rather expensive in the US.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Harbeth won't give him what he says he wants at those levels though.  Klipshhorn classics would be a start in that price range. Their Heresy's would be a good start.  my buddy used to own a pair in HS.  Fun speakers.
simna
165 posts
 

I've tried Heresy and they will not do it. They are bass shy which will not work at low volumes.
I also like (have to) listening at low volumes and after Heresy I tried Tannoy Legacy Eaton. Which I bought and I can't be happier.

andy2
1,546 posts
 
Although one has to define what it means "to sound good at low volume", but in term of speaker design, if you want you make your speakers sound "good" at low volume, you want a slight lift at the mid range and upper mid range frequencies, but then it would compromise high level volume listening.

One the other hands, if a speaker frequency response is relatively flat, it needs a bit of volume level for it to come alive.
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