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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
elliottbnewcombjr
5,565 posts
 

By the way, 23’ x 23’ x 8’, square rooms can be problematic, even more reason to use measurements to find advantageous, avoid problematic positioning and toe-in.

I would lower the speakers, tilt them back, aim tweeter up at seated ear height, altering the INITIAL reflections off both the floor and ceiling.

Amazing Bytes CD with Test Tones Info here

only finding two expensive listings on Discogs at the moment. Write me a message, I could help you find an inexpensive copy.

I make an enlarged copy of page 4, use the 29 1/3 octave test tones with the SPL Mic on a tripod at ear level listening position. This combined with the Schiit EQ, use one of the presets for ’measured with mic’ then finally, you use your ears and set another of the presets for personal preference.

If there is a big difference between what the mic hears and you hear, time for a hearing test.

I like this chart

blackbag20
484 posts
 

EQ will work ... good luck!

grislybutter
3,304 posts
 

I would think that higher sensitivity, more forward sounding speakers may suit you better. 

https://speakerchoices.com/

Although the Totems are not exactly low sensitivity, there may be better options, I would also look at the charts at https://www.spinorama.org/

cdc
1,822 posts
 

@gemoody

Woofer: 6.5″ / 16.51 cm, 3″ / 7.62 cm voice coil. I assume standmounts have the same woofer.

Have been told my speakers, Totem Forest Signature, "need power to sing".

Agreed. And I agree that you would need an amp that has full output at the first watt. But that will not fix your problem.

I agree and disagree on EQ / Fletcher Munson. Yes, you can brute force correct for low volumes with eq. But "FR compensation" and "Come to life" are two different things.

Yes, Aiwa stuff was great. Giant Sony had an interesting way to deal with their competition. They bought Aiwa and then "discontinued" the company.

 

lanx0003
884 posts
 

EQ will render a more cost-effective solution for you. The reason is that even a V-shaped SPL speaker will, in most cases I’ve seen, provide a boost of around 5 dB in the mid-bass and upper registers. However, to achieve the equal loudness contour (ELC), you typically need a 9-10 dB boost in the bass region for an average listening level of 45-55 dB, as I have at night.

Additionally, I believe digital EQ is more effective than its analog counterpart.

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