Recommendations for speakers that sound great at lower volume levels.

i concur with opinions about well integrated subs (a pair) making transformative improvements to systems using high quality bookshelf/standmount speakers that do not produce low bass

there is effort involved, and some learning curve, but the results, when successful, are most certainly worth the effort

i cannot speak for other makes, but rel provides excellent and detailed instructions on how to integrate their subs, and if those instructions are diligently followed, the user will reap great rewards

lots of folks go on endlessly and breathlessly on this forum about how fuses, cables, damped footers, springs, make a difference in the sound of the system... but the improvement from subs - done right - truly has a magnitude greater impact

You want a big full range high sensitivity high impedance system for a good low volume experience or a high quality two way with a good subwoofer where you can adjust the bass for any volume level so you can have a full sound at low volumes but it will not compete with a large system when the music gets challenging or gets played at a higher volume level.

Thanks to all for your thoughtful responses. I think I'll go with a more sensitive speaker. Perhaps the BBC monitor style and hook them up with my REL. Happy listening.

Another consideration is what digital cable are you using?

In the last 2 weeks I swapped out my optical cable for coax. If you're price conscious, check out Audio Advisor who has a sale on Pangea: I started with a 1.0m, then a 1.5m (which to my ears sounded better), and now using their 1.5m XL, which allows me to play at lower volumes as the music is more intimate, BUT, I can also play louder $150/1.5m XL and free shipping!

hth

Don't forget to at least conisder wide band high sensitivity speakers, Great at low vol,