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.

128x128ricco275

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

https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Pressure-30-130dBA-Warranty/dp/B00ECCZWWI/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1BZ6BV6ZMIG39&keywords=sound+pressure+meter&qid=1686325343&sprefix=sound+pressure+meter%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-4

 

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.

 

@ghdprentice 

High efficiency does not equal sounds good at low volumes. Tone controls definitely not part of the equation. You want as pure and high quality signal as possible to excellent sounding speakers. The lower the noise floor of the system the less volume required. Putting tone controls in the equation raises the noise floor.

+2 ^^^^^  

Good low volume detail relies on resolution and clarity along the whole chain. 😎

Another here with Harbeths, (SHL5+ XD) and they sound great at low volume.  My system has no tone or loudness controls of any kind.  SS preamp and tube power amps. YMMV