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
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?
You probably wouldn't think it, but Vandersteen 3A Signatures are great for low volume listening.   Not sure if low watts would manage, though.
KEF Reference 1 speakers play wonderfully low, med and at high volume levels. Pair it with the right amplifier and you will be happy.
High efficiency is over 100db 1 watt 1-meter omega is not a high eff loudspeaker.

High efficiency is over 100db 1 watt 1-meter omega is not a high eff loudspeaker.


no hard and fast rules or accepted definitions of what high efficiency is among speakers...  omegas are certainly presented as high efficiency speakers

if you are coming from a 100 db.w.m horn they are not... if you are coming from a 84 db.w.m harbeth p3 they certainly are...