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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.

ricco275
elliottbnewcombjr
5,176 posts
 

ricco275

my friend visits, often refers to his phone spl meter, for relative volume info.

My speakers have two L-pads each: "Presence" and "Brilliance" (mid horn, tweeter horn) relative to their 15" cone woofer

That test CD: I go thru 29 1/3 octave bands, (individually select; pause; continue...) adjusting/moving/tweaking until I get the best output at my location in that space.

it’s not easy to get the pair’s output and l/r match perfected so frequencies don’t wander l or r as you go thru the range, but awesome when you get it right.

at seated ear height; at seated position.

for consistency, I prefer a separate directional meter on a tripod, giving me hands free capability for .....

these inexpensive spl meters can be ’perfectly’ calibrated after you receive them, however, all they really need to do is show relativity to be useful.

i.e. more or less, thanks for the answer.

steve59's avatar
steve59
1,646 posts
 

Congrats on the TAD's! I thought I added my .02 on this thread, but. I was dissatisfied with low volume listening thru my Blades even though I still appreciated what they do at 90 db and above. I brought home a pair of 600 watt monoblocks to replace my 300 wpc int and the low volume dynamics were/are transformed. The sonic improvement is so good I rarely listen loud anymore. I'm not mentioning brands because it seems to be a crapshoot finding the perfect speaker/amp combo. My speakers are now as dynamic and full bodied at 'everyone else in the house is asleep' volume as they were at live concert levels with the previous components. Of coarse the new kit cost me double what the last gear did, go figure.

ricco275 OP
56 posts
 

@steve59 thanks! That might be a good option for me too!

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