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Nearfield Low-Level Listening : New Speakers or EQ? Thoughts?

In my main rig, I listen nearfield at low levels, and I do not feel the music sounds fully engaging until moderate-to-loud volumes. Have been told my speakers, Totem Forest Signature, "need power to sing". I have ordered a Schiit Loki Max EQ; wondering if that will do the trick or do I need to consider new speakers? I use the Loudness/Comp feature on my integrated amp, it helps some. Listen to 70s, Jazz, Americana, ...

My System:

  • Accuphase E-380 Integrated
    • 180 watts into 4 ohms and 120 watts into 8 ohms.
    • High damping factor of 500.
  • Totem Forest Signature Speakers
    • Impedance: 8 ohms (6.4 ohms minimum)
    • Sensitivity: 87 dB
    • Recommended Power: 50 - 225 watts
  • Rose HiFi RS-150B Streamer/DAC
  • Thorens 1601 TT, Schiit Skol Pre, Nagoaka Cart
  • REL Classic 98 Subwoofer, Speakon connection
  • XLR Connections, Bi-Wired Speakers
  • Shunyata Power Conditioner

 

gemoody
cdc
1,819 posts
 

What is the voice coil diameter on the Totem drivers? You want 26mm. 38mm like Scan speak and Dynadio take tons of power to get going and never sound good at low volumes.

I do not know about sensitivity playing a part. I had some 88dB sensitivity and the bass did not kick in until 85dB.  I prefer no crossover for low volume.

trivema's avatar
trivema
100 posts
 

+EQ - Fletcher Munson curve

gemoody OP
143 posts
 

Good input.  Lots to consider.  Volume, Amp, speakers, EQ, room, tubes, voice coil diameter, F-M Curve …

I will try the EQ first.  I have thought about higher sensitivity speakers, always wondered about Fyne F700/701.  A tube amp has been in the back of my mind, but there is much, for me, to love about the Accuphase vibe, and it is still new-ish.

@yoyoyaya yes, very close together, an unfortunate room limitation. Contributes to issue?

@cdc cannot find spec info for voice coil diameter, and more clues?

@moonwatcher thanks for the Frampton reference 

@elliottbnewcombjr good info on the Loki bands, thx.

@deep_333 your right, time to sell everything.👎

Will do some research into the Fletcher-Munson Curve.  Any recommended resources.

appreciate the Forum and it inhabitants.

bobelton
15 posts
 

I use a Loki Max for this very purpose and it works great for me. I live in a tiny NYC apartment and using it to bump the low and the high end when I want to listen late at night without bothering my wall neighbors works well. It’s just what my Tannoy Stirlings needed for that situation. 

wolf_garcia
6,719 posts
 

I think you should have waited for your Loki Max before posting this. I've used a couple of Lokis for years (early adopter...now one is in my stereo video system and another is part of my main rig's Vali 3 headphone stack) and bought a Loki Max last year for my main system...a brilliantly designed EQ and the remote is a game changer. Fletcher/Munson can pound sand!

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