+1 porchlight1. You prob suffer frequency specific loss of hearing. The Schiit options seem logical, efficient, super inexpensive to try. So why not. Also, if you could increase your listening distance, the speakers' non-linearity at low level might be improved. I have similar needs, complicated by my left and right hearing being different. I use a Schiit on each channel with slightly different eq on each. The imaging / staging improved and my "perception" of proper freq balance was achieved.
BEST SPEAKER THAT COMES TO LIFE AT LOW LISTENING LEVELS
My system is as follows:
- Martin Logan 11A Impressions hybrid electrostatic speakers.
- Bryston 4B3 cubed power amp 300 per channel into 8 and 500 into 4.
- Bryston BP-19 preamp, Chord Qutest Dac & Lumin U2 mini stream.
- SVS subs-pair of SB-4000
- I listen at 55-60 dbs. Can anybody recommend a speaker with a budget of $15,000.00 per pair that sounds alive and dynamic at low listening levels. My dealer sells, Totem, Triangle and Proac.
- Any recommendations would be appreciated. Due to age and ear issues I can listen comfortably at 55-60 dbs and not much louder.
- Thanks in advance for any help that you can provide.
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- 50 posts total
I just destroyed my spare Chase Unit, the 1/2" drill bit was dull, and while drilling, the bit dug in, the entire unit violently flipped 180 degrees, slammed the crap out of my arm, and the transformer dislodged, breaking it’s tiny wire, not enough clearance to solder, I can’t fix it, so I’m in the market for a working spare at a great price. I don’t need a remote, the lights just need to blink when it’s plugged in, that's enough for me to take a chance on one without a remote. I always want to positively know when it is at default settings, and unplugging it is not convenient. A rotary switch in the power wire that I can reach will be as easy as a face mounted toggle switch, with less risk, I need a new 1/2" metal bit or set of metal bits too. You win some, you lose occasionally, oh well, happy new year. |
As mentioned earlier efficient horns with a large woofer preferably of 15 in. work well at low volume. Klipsch Cornwall lV may fit the bill. A quality amp where, again as mentioned, the first couple watts are clean, such as a number of Class A Nelson Pass First Watt models. Think F3, F5, SIT 3 or 4 or new(er) F8. Add a quality tube preamp and I think you have the deep, full room filling low volume sound you’re hoping to find. Best Rich |
OP You said "due to age and ear issues", so I am assuming you already have had your hearing tested, perhaps already use hearing aids some or most of the time ..... IF not, I also recommend having your hearing evaluated. Fully normal, or using hearing aids: Fletcher Munson compensation is still needed for low volume listening. Other hearing issues and solution may ALSO be needed. If you rode the NYC subways in the 60's, or if past 50 years old, more than likely you will find age related reduced sensitivity to high frequencies, and like me, you may find other differences, in my case a life long hereditary thickening of a bone was revealed along with age related (I'm 76) diminished sensitivity to highs, My experience: got prescription for from my GP; had them inspected and cleaned by ENT specialist who then gave me a prescription for a professional audiologist who gave me a print-out chart of the test results and a couple of cost estimates, $5k; $6k.. I searched online found free testing by a 2nd professional audiologist, they programmed a demo pair, holy smokes what a difference, left with a test chart and a few cost options, $6k; $7k. Costco Hearing Centers are Excellent, top models only $1,600. After online research, I knew they were a good option, joined for $60. They were as equipped and professional as the audiologists, and offer only the top models of 3 makers: Philips; Rexton; Jabra, 6 months trials. I tried Philips 9040's, compared Rexton walking around the store, they upgraded me during the trial period to Philips 9050. They work fully with Apple and Partially with Android Smart Phones. Very good, it was a hard choice, at the 98th day of Audicus Trial, I chose the Audicus Omni 2. Work Fully with Apple and partially or fully with Android: Tap your ear lobe to answer and tap to end a call is one feature, and using the mic on the hearing aid for calls (rather than the mic in the phone) means I can answer a call without opening my flip phone, turn my head, walk around, even out of the room when on the phone. The phone connects to the car, and I may have the convertible top down, the Audicus sounded better to callers.
My final choice. $1,900. Mostly online, give them your test chart or take their online test. video zoom appts, far better pricing, 100 day trial. I'm close enough to one of only a few of Audicus's physical offices in NYC, took my test results, they fit me with a pair of Omni Series 2, they work fully with both Apple and my Android, as well as sound terrific, including their Music, and Live Music modes which I found preserved the wide frequency range and imaging of my system better than Philips 9040 or 9050 which are very good, you may prefer either, it's that close.
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As others have already said, FLETCHER MUNSON
Oh how I wish I’d known about Fletcher Munson when I was flipping speakers! I went through everything from little Harbeth P3ES to their biggest M40.1 to giant Tannoy FSM with 2 x 5” cones per box! From Focals to Transmission Lines… I never found a speaker that satisfied me at low volumes! IMHO, the options are : - Adjust your Subs to your taste. That’s what I do. - Get an amp with a Boost button or get some form of EQ. - Use Headphones.
Good luck! |
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