Of the speakers on your list I have only heard the Vandersteen Treo CT’s and in my system they sounded great at low volume. Any of the Vandersteen speakers that have the CT tweeters sound good at low volume. Harbeth speakers do low volume really well also. I had Harbeth speakers ( 5’s and 40’s) before the Vandersteen’s and bought them specifically because I needed a speaker that sounded good at low volume. Good Luck!
High end speakers at low volume
After having got accustomed to my new Vitus RI-101 mk II, I came to the conclusion that I need to improve my system's performance at low volume to enjoy music more.
Current sources: LinnLP12, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Nucleus.
Speakers: Avalon Idea.
Shunyata Delta NR V2 and Hemingway Indigo PC, Tara Labs Forté, TQ 2 Black diamond IC.
I am looking at replacing the Avalon Idea with speakers that could improve the low volume listening experience. I listen to 60 / 70db, I can afford to go up to 85db for very short time (neighbours).
I am also considering to purchase a Loki Max which I understood being quite a neutral EQ unit.
I have selected a few speakers which should match my musical taste based on what I have read:
- YG Carmel 2
- Wilson Sabrina X
- Vandersteen treo ct
- TAD ME1
I don't have the chance to listen to them except the TAD ME1 which I have enjoyed very much but not in my apartment.
Budget max $15k new or used.
I am looking for speakers sounding musical, with wide soundstage, not cold, detailed yet not analytical.
I mostly listen to classic rock, blues and jazz.
The system sits at the end of the long wall in a living room measuring 33x13ft, listening position 8ft from the speakers.
Unfortunately I have to face a tough WAF putting several limits:
- speakers must have a clean design, not black, not too hifi looking... and not too big
- distance from the wall behind the speakers 25cm
I don't mind changing amplifier if it will be necessary to match the next speakers.
I haven't found a preamp that I could consider a good candidate except a very expensive CSport featuring a loudness button which works very well (tested at Ana Mighty Sound).
I would much appreciate some advice from who knows well the above speakers or who had similar needs.
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@jackjohnson316 Audio Excellence Canada released a bunch of videos talking about the Buchardt S400. They said that the Buchardt S400 require volume to "come alive". You'll have to watch 3 videos however. And the first video isn't so positive. But that might be a room problem, I don't fully remember. FYI, I'm trying to sell people on the OGY so hard haha. |
@joey54 great to hear so! Unfortunately I can’t find anyone selling Vandersteen in France. |
Agree with others have said, a high sensitivity speaker would be a place to start for consistent low level listening. Have heard the Fyne Audio F1.8, and F701 standmounts and Tannoy Turnberry floor standers in a system I know well, and they were excellent at lower levels.....of course sensitivity for all 3 was over 91 db. |
IF your speakers sound good without loudness compensation (any brand, any size woofer), i.e. normal amount of bass at very low volume, then they have too much bass at normal or loud volumes. i.e. that is like having the loudness circuit engaged at all volumes, a no-no. many people like lot’s of bass, but mid bass, lower mids are ’buried’ by too much low bass. Get thee a simple Sound Pressure Meter, tripod, set at ear height at listening position
next a test cd with individual tones. Note: I scanned several Stereophile Test CD’s, others, none of them have the full range of frequencies this test disc has (29). https://www.discogs.com/release/7290000-Various-Amazing-Bytes you will know how flat of a frequency response your speakers are producing, IN That Space, AT that location. It’s hard to find, and expensive, I can find a used copy if interested.
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