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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
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.
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
So the number of drivers really do not matter as much? It's the overall frequency of the speaker. I was considering the tekton Lores or Zu Omens. However, the B&W 603 towers get great reviews. The Tektons and the Zus do have a money back guarantee. The tektons come with optional grills.
timlub
2,040 posts
 
Hi Aberyclark,
It is not cast in stone, but generally multiple drivers give you higher sensitivity. There are many designs that don't need multiple drivers to give that sensitivity. Sensitivity on its own does not improve the sound of a speaker at low volume, it just means that you don't need much power to drive it. On the other hand. I do believe that sensitivity almost always improves dynamics. This is in general, there are lowerer sensitive speakers that with the right power can be very dynamic. Its just most high sensitivity speakers are dynamic.
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