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.
Wouldn't you be better off picking your favorite speaker and adding some tone controls? I can think of speakers that do well in low volumes, some Dynaudio and Dali models come immediately to mind, but of the types of brands you are interested in, they tend to be too neutral to play well softly alone. |
@mijostyn wrote:
Oh, I agree. My advice on acoustics and positioning as the more "analogue" approach, though I wasn’t clear on this in my previous post, was meant to go in tandem here with mentioned DSP tools for corrective measures. I do find subs could make for a potential enhancement of the overall sonic experience in the OP’s setting at more moderate volumes when being included in before mentioned "corrective measures," to have an extra pair of legs with an additional octave down low. |
@phusis , I agree entirely but baby steps. Let Rocco get used to his new processor first.. We might already be stretching his budget. |
