Audiogon member suggestions for a speaker that sounds good at low volume!!!


I am looking for speaker suggestions (new or used) in the $1000-$4000 range that sound good at low volume (45-50db).  I listen to mostly jazz and classical music late at night while everyone else is sleeping so the volume is low.  My current speakers are Vandy 2CE sigs and they sound good at higher volume levels but I listen most critically, at low volume and hope to do better.  My amp is a Classe CT-2300 with a Classe CP-800 preamp. I have a larger room 20ft X 20ft but seldom listen to music loud. Monitor of floor standing is fine.  

I understand the limitation of human hearing (Fletcher-Munson Curve) and also an appreciation of the synergy of speaker design, speaker placement and room effects.  Anyone out there have a speaker they like at low volume?

Thank you in advance.


128x1282tuby

Showing 3 responses by 2tuby

I want to thank all who replied,  I will search the threads and see what makes sense to me. 

Initial thoughts - No headphones, yes to high sensitivity, maybe a sub?

I have been a stereo listener and enthusiast for many, many years and feel that there are a great many audiophiles out there who do listen al lower volumes. (I no longer wish to hear "Stairway to Heaven" at 100 db.) I hope that speaker companies might start to look at designing speakers for low volume listening. 

It is 9:30 pm and I currently an listening to the European Jazz Trio (Sonata) at 52db -  wonderful.

My sound meter is a cell phone app.  I do not think a "two point calibration " is an option, so it is a very questionable number. :)
I do appreciate all the suggestions.Thank you!

I have auditioned two sets of new speakers (Ohm Walsh 3000 and Totem Hawks) and did not feel that either speaker was an improvement over the Vandys. 

I see many used speakers on Audiogon that I would like to audition but that is not a reasonable request when buying a used speaker. I did not want to get into the buying, trying and reselling business, but that looks like my next move.

I think my next venture will  be speakers with a higher sensitivity than the 86 of the Vandys.  

I am still enjoying the search!