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Recommendations for speakers that sound great at lower volume levels.

I have a pair of Harbeth SHL5 Plus and they sound wonderful when I crank them up. But at moderate to low volume levels they sound disappointingly flat and unengaging - instruments are less palpable, bass has less bloom, and soundstage has less air and dimensionality. I drive my speakers with a tube integrated - a Line Magnetic 845 rated at 26 watts of power. My Harbeths are rated at 86db. Would a higher sensitivity speaker be helpful? Or how about a good quality small shoebox sized pair of speakers coupled with a subwoofer? Or not. What speakers are going to deliver music you can feel at low volume levels? What say all you wisened audiophiles?
128x128neptune123
ps
750 posts
 
I've not read all the posts in this thread so excuse me if my question has been answered.

Can OP kindly clarify what "lower volumes" means?  What are your preferred average decibel levels? 

As an example in my dedicated listening room, approximately 80db is more than enough, and does not disturb my golden-eared wife who is sound asleep in our upstairs bedroom.  This is volume is either with Magnepan .7's or Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage speakers and all-tube gear paired with a small REL subwoofer.

ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
My Harbeth C7 sound a bit better than my Gershman Grand Avant Garde at low level volume.
However, at high volume level, Gershman sound much better.
At late night, I used to listen to C7.
neptune123's avatar
neptune123 OP
24 posts
 
I'm taking the advice that high efficiency is the way to go for low volume listening and for my particular amp, Line Magnetic 845ia. Does anyone have an opinion on Omega speakers? I'm reading about the Super Alinco towers. Important factor - will it provide enough bass. Your thoughts?
audiodwebe's avatar
audiodwebe
241 posts
 
You probably wouldn't think it, but Vandersteen 3A Signatures are great for low volume listening.   Not sure if low watts would manage, though.
axo0oxa
98 posts
 
KEF Reference 1 speakers play wonderfully low, med and at high volume levels. Pair it with the right amplifier and you will be happy.
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