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Low Volumes

I live in Manhattan and live in a modest-sized studio. I'm currently set up with a Cayin A-50T and Totem Rainmakers. I love the sound they produce, but generally only when I increase the volumes to more than moderate levels. Unfortunately, neighbors (including complaining ones) exist. Is there a speaker/amp combo that would give me much fuller, satisfying sound at lower levels? I had vowed to avoid the "upgrade" bug, but feel this is a valid reason. My budget would be $4k-$5k (for both speaker and amp; each used).

Do I need better speakers? Model 1s crossed my mind. Better amp? A Luxman 505u crossed my mind.

Other components (if they matter): Cardas Crosslink interconnects, entry-level nordost bi-wire, Chordette DAC.
northern3light
saki70
853 posts
 
Another characteristic that needs to be addressed is dynamics .

I have a decent sounding low level system that has all of the micro & macro details , resolution , airy highs and tight bass .

But the dynamics , the difference between the loud and soft sounds with in the tune , are lacking . This , for me makes the music boring ! It sounds great but just does not move me . No head bobbing , toe tapping or air guitar action .

I used to think that this was amplifier related but further study has lead me into the direction of the speaker .

Good luck .
tompoodie
37 posts
 
I second the above re Quad ESL's. Given the number of cheap amps that can give great sound with these, I'd say its definitive. See the following website for amp matches:http://www.quadesl.org/Amplifiers/amplifiers.html
Limiting factor may be that they need several feet from rear wall to sound best. Quads Unlimited reputed to be best rebuilt version.
mapman's avatar
mapman
15,679 posts
 
A good quality dynamic range compression device (like the old home dbx units or perhaps even newer digital solutions) might be helpful in cases where music has wide dynamic swings, like orchestral music, yet the volume must stay low.
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