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Best speaker design for low to mid volume?

I'm not asking brand etc. I have a condo that had a listening area (approx 20 ft X 15 ft). I'm looking at floor standers. Generally, should I look for few drivers or more the better? Some speakers are 2 way, 2.5 way, 3 way etc). I listen to everything from classic rock to jazz and classical. This is a 2 channel system. Some tv/movies will be played through speakers as well. I like full bass (not so much the very tight bass sound and too crisp sound I find with Klipsch). Please chime in...sitting area approx 7 to 10 feet in front of system. I'm not looking for bookshelf speakers (WAF).
aberyclark
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Tim - too true!!! ;) although you and i did agree in our opening statements...many ways in speaker design to get there!

That said, i also would 2nd nvp's statements about subwoofer for low volume playing. I run Wilson X1/Grand Slamms...and like every single Grand Slamm or Alexandria owner i know...i run a big subwoofer in parallel...when i play at literally volume 1 on my system...the sub makes a big [positive] difference. you heard a very, very satsifying but level, controlled 'thump' even at these soft levels that means you feel like you've lost nothing at all when playing in the early am and dont wish to wake up the house.
one man's experience.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,975 posts
 
Controlled dispersion designs sound better at low levels since they do not flood the listening space and direct SPL at listener thus better sound at lower levels.
fvl
10 posts
 
Quad ESLs. I have the 988, and it's magical at low volume (and restricted low frequency extension is actually a blessing in a condo). Not exactly pretty, tho, if WAF is an issue. The Audio Physic Virgos I once owned were good at low volumes, and beautiful in maple. A bargain used if you can find them in good condition.
david12
1,454 posts
 
A factor too few speaker manufacturers take into account, in my opinion. Many of us live very close to neighbours, with thin walls and want to be "neighbourly".

I agree that high sensitivity is often a prerequisite and can name a number of higher sensitivity speakers that sound good at low volume, Harbeth, Devore Fidelity, Living Voice and my own Daedalus. I can also think of well known brands that need the wick turning up, to sound their best, particularly Focal and B and W, neither of which I can say I really enjoy.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Contrary to the experience of others, with my Quad 63's I found that they only seemed to come alive at moderate volumes. At low volume they were not very engaging. My present boxes which are 6db more efficient seem to do a better job when driven by medium power amps. I sense but do not know for certain that the more efficient the speaker the better the low volume performance.
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