Which Component Has the Greatest Affect on Low-Level Listening
Speakers. You probably need a powered sub or two practically with most setups to sound best at low volume because our ear sensitivity drops off and we do not hear nearly as much as we do at louder volumes. Equal-loudness contour - Wikipedia |
mapman linked https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-loudness_contour You want a system with automatic ’loudness’ circuit. It is completely misnamed, it is a ’low level boost’ to boost bass progressively as volume lowers, (boosts highs also, less importantly). Maintaining bass at low volume will maintain involvement with the music, otherwise it becomes background noise. To compensate ONLY when listening at low volume. Raise the volume, eliminate the boost, otherwise the bass is too prominent as well as the highs will get screechy. As you raise the volume, you want the circuit to automatically/progressively reduce/remove the ’loudness’ boost, back to normal for normal or louder. This unit has a built in automatic fletcher munson circuit, and remote volume, remote balance, I wouldn't live without it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chase-Remote-Line-Controller-RLC-1/254708363331?hash=item3b4dcd3043:g:huIAA... Vintage receivers have ’loudness’ filters. |
Speakers make the biggest difference, followed by amplifiers. Horn systems are particularly dynamic and engaging at low volume. If you look at Japanese audio magazines, it is common to find serious audiophiles putting gigantic horn systems in their small homes and apartments. Given the close living conditions and cultural emphasis on being polite and considerate, systems cannot be played very loudly, hence the desirability of horn systems. I find amplifiers also play a big role. Tube amplifiers, particularly low-powered tube amps, deliver lively and engaging sound at lower volume levels. I find output transformerless tube amps to be particularly dynamic sounding. |
