Low volume listening dynamics

@tmalkki

From 5-31
Clams are happy, and so will I be too. Don't want to dominate this format at all, but would like a couple of suggestions on a good first timer tube integrated. Will probably build my own full range speaker pair, concentrating on high efficiency drivers. Most of my listening is CD and HD streaming. No vinyl at the moment unfortunately. Thanks guys for the feedback this far. I have lots to learn.

Hello.
I see you are into DIY speakers and your listening is through CD and streaming. Here's an alternative for your consideration: A digitally active system with high efficiency DIY speakers, room corrected, time-aligned, etc.
My view: given a limited amount of money spent on audio (non unconstrained budget) and if you can live with digital source only you will get better sound by avoiding expensive crossover parts and cabinets, a preamp, and design for a single purpose.

Pro speaker drivers have gotten VERY good over the years and are much higher efficiency than the audiophile brands. I'm working with an AMT tweeter at 102 dB sensitivity and mids at 98 dB. As it usually reinforced here and other places, good speaker-amp matching is key, and going active you can perfectly match the driver and the amp that will directly drive it, including flat impedance if the amp needs it. I'm designing for 2A3 SETs on midrange and tweeter - the importance of the first Watt, as many mentioned here :-)

One key is the DAC. Instead of audiophile 2-channel DACs you will need a 4, 6, or 8-channel DAC. You have exaSound e38 DAC, but most likely use a good pro ADC/DAC (they are called cards, but they aren't computer cards you place inside the PC :-)). That acts as DAC and directly drives amps. A key component. Have a look for example at Merging Technologies Hapi, Lynx Hilo, Prism Audio Titan.

The other key is software. I use Roon (and have used JRiver and HQPlayer and are all good) that plays back from my stored music files or from Tidal. Within Roon I run convolution with digital filters that are the crossovers and room correction, so the computer sends 8 channels through USB to the DAC, which directly drives the amps: 2 powered subs, 2 midbass, 2 for midranges, 2 for tweeters. This way, each amp is required to reproduce a limited frequency range (that is what they get in the input), which is a good thing because many tube amp struggle a bit with bass. The important software is what you use for deriving the convolution filters (I use Acourate).

I have B&W 804S which I've had for about 10 years since brand new. I started experimenting with active, removing the passive crossovers and implementing all corrections and loved it. Then I started exploring DIY speakers with pro drivers and I'm sold. I will end up selling my B&Ws, will build the DIY speakers, and have a positive balance of money to pay for improving other parts of the chain.

I realize it's a lot to digest. But would encourage you to consider it.
I hope it helps.

Wow. I'll have to read that more than a few times. Thank you for the response. Yes I do enjoy the occasional foray into drivers and cabinets, a labor of love. Will do some (a ton) of research into your suggestions.

The key to my low volume dynamics is a AVC volume control by Bent Audio / Dave Slagle and a distributed bass system . I have 86 db sealed speakers . 

hi all, so at the level of the enthusiasts that have been posting in this engaging thread, a variety of approaches will work beautifully. I love quiet listening on a system that wouldn't seem to lend itself to it: inefficient speakers paired with a robust solid state integrated. Fortunately, my Accuphase E-470 not only has nice tone controls and a loudness circuit, it also has an exquisitely engineered volume control. My ATC 40's respond with their usual vibrancy even when a certain light-sleeping spouse is sleeping essentially right above the main listening room. ~oran

Hi tmalkki

I think the trick to great low level volume listening is crossover less single driver speakers with a low watt SET amp.
In my experience with multi driver speakers if you want to listen to low volume the low power signal gets caught up in the crossovers and not all the signal gets to the output and you lose some of that detail in the music.
With multi driver speakers to get that detail you have to play it loud so the high power signal can overcome what it loses in the cross over.With crossover less single driver speakers none of the signal gets lost at any volume what goes in the speaker comes out the same, you hear all the music
I think if you google single driver crossover less speakers and low watt SET amps with low volume listening you will find the information about the concept and they will explain it a lot better then I did.
Some one in this thread advised you to check out the Decware web site I think you should as well and also the Omega speaker web site.
I had a stereo years ago big power full amp and multi driver speakers and I could only get good detail in the music at uncomfortable ( for me ) volume levels. How ever for a number of years now have a system as described above and I can get great detail with comfortable volumes.
Big is not necessarily better !
Thanks
Bob

PS My amp only has 2 watts per channel but I can tell you those 2 watts are outstanding.