Recommendations for speakers that sound great at lower volume levels.

I listen to some Altec Lansing A-7 500's that are 16 ohm, driven by Decware, 6 watts/channel.  Very sensitive speakers that sound unbelievably great at all volume levels.  I have found some things that have the sensitivity is 95 and as high as 115 db.  Whatever it is, wow, they sound great.  I have tried Caintuck's open baffle and found them very pleasing at low volumes and Blumenstein's.   That said, I had some Maggie's in 3.5R's that were similar to your Harbeth's, it was like they were asleep and not nearly as dynamic until you cranked some heat to them.  Then everything woke up and it was incredible.  I believe that both Nelson Pass and Steve Deckert would say about their products, "good from the first watt".  Might try to find something more sensitive for speakers.  I had a long discussion with Steve Deckert when buying the amp and as he said, "nothing beats a single ended triode for sound, unless you are drinking some beers and want to really crank it".  Another option, as those are very nice speakers, I have had some good luck with a high current amp (not watts), driving some Linn LS35A's.  Another option is to reach out to Harbeth and explain your issue, see what they recommend.  I am a collector and not a seller.  If you do something, I would keep what you have and add to it.  It is so much fun to play new combinations of speakers with different power and input.  Good luck. 

I have also noticed great low level, balanced sound with my Salk Songtowers. It's as if I have a subtle loudness switch on all the time. This is regardless of the room they're in and the electronics.

My system has outgrown the Songtowers so I'm looking to upgrade along the Salk line for that reason.  

I would think the more efficient the better.

I wonder why no one mentions Focal.  I tried to like the Aria 948’s and even those were weak on bass.  I did think the tweeters sounded good.

(Pardon me if someone mentioned an idea below first.)

emrofsemanon:  I'd say you are right about pretty much everything you mentioned. I have an extension cord between my fridge and the wall so I can unplug it (a tiny reminder light goes on when I do) for evening low level sessions (even 40 feet away). It is so true how brown noise wrecks low level (or moderate level music, or high level with intricate details). Thank heaven I no longer have force air heat; ugh on that fan.


cakyol, mwinkc: I agree with the ability to use a loudness or other bass control when listening at lower volumes. Bass does disappear. I used to be a purist before I realized it got in the way of enjoying the hobby...  The DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 easily enables a bit of bass or treble boost that is easily defeated as well.

mtbiker:  I'd call avgs in mid-70s 'low volume' (for me). I'm more in the mid-80s I guess (unless real happy about some music I'm playing :-)

Tannoy mini autograph...but for a mid to small room