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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
terry9
931 posts
 
I like my ESL’s. Quad 2905’s. But there is a cautionary thread currently active. Still, with your taste in volume, you might be just fine, as I am.

Don't let people tell you that you should listen to music loud. So what if you have better hearing? They're your ears!
firstnot's avatar
firstnot
115 posts
 
I too prefer lower listening levels. 65 Db is perfect for me
I use near field Tannoy FSMs in a 14 x 18 room pulled 30"
off the back wall and using a 1-1.2 arrangement ratio.
Sounds pretty good to me even at the lower volumes.
The points mentioned about hi efficiency and quality power
merit attention.
richdirector's avatar
richdirector
44 posts
 
I have low powered 15w valve playing into LS3/5a falcon 15ohm - great for near field but as others have said (and you are sitting fairly static) headphones could make better choice

esp headphones that are less tiring - I use AKG712 keep my toes tapping and might be more immersive
tatyana69
113 posts
 
Amps are important here. For example in my system newer Bryston amps are more "efficient" at lower volume levels than older ones. There is a technical reason for this which I cannot remember, but it does impact on easy listening at lower volumes. 
simna
42 posts
 
I also prefer low volume listening. I have Tannoy Legacy Eaton and uses a tube amp with them. I absolutely love them. 

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