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What is a really good sounding low volume system??

I'm trying to gear up for when I get married this september and move in with my fiance into her place. Living quarters will be cramped and we will share a wall and floor (thier ceiling) with the home owners. Headphones don't sound like fun but perhaps I'll have to bite the bullet and buy some hd 800's or something. I suppose my other option is to build a "second" system that really excels and sounds good at low low volumes. Nearfield listening? I've thought about just adding a nice pair of bookshelf speakers to my current front end, something that lacks bass but excels in micro detail and imaging at low volumes. I guess I could set up a secondary nearfield listening station but don't know where to start. There is a prima luna pl2 integrated amp for sale locally and I'm wondering if this int. paired with a bookshelf speaker that has great detail and imaging might work for me.
What do you guys think??
b_limo
b_limo's avatar
b_limo OP
829 posts
 
Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge!

Rrog, I seriously laughed out loud to you response. I'll probably cry later this afternoon because your statement might hold some truth :-)

Rar1, thanks for the input on the pl2. Your statement about your wife hearing mice pee on wool was pretty funny too. Thankfully my future to be is a total sweetheart and very giving; she'll either a. Not be bothered by my music, or b. wear ear plugs if need be.

Marakanetz, thanks for the input on the headphones; I'll research the components that you suggested. I'm wondering though if I move to a headphone set-up though, if some of the appeal of listening to music will be lost. I really like my music to pass through the room vs. humping my ears, lol, if that makes any sense.

So, this leads me to possibly consider some panel speakers? I know most don't have large amounts of bass and the ones I heard had good amounts of detail...
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
feeling of air from speakers will be the only thing lost. the rest of music such as detail, clarity imaging will be at it's best with good headphones. I took T70 for demo and despite reviews stating that they lack the bass, I'd say that they're one of the most accurate and balanced headphones that i've ever heard so far. it's a big step up from AKG K/Q/701/2. you can also listen to them long long hours with no fatigue at all.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
4,163 posts
 
A high quality, small size system would be the Magnepan Maggie Mini system with a Wadia 151 DAC/amplifier. Magnepan sells then as a bundled pair and they are designed for near field listening.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
The Magnepan Maggie Mini system looks like a great option for a small apartment...

http://www.magnepan.com/model_mini_maggie
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I play at low levels to not disturbe anyone else in my 'over 55' retirement apts.
I do have big 3.6 Magnepans, but play music only around 60dB (Radio Shack meter from seated position)
I may go uo to 70dB at times.
The nicest part of Magnepan is the bass (which is usually what the vast majority of compalints are about) does not travel through walls, or floors.
With the design, the bass is heard direct, but cancels at the sides.
And does not go through walls at all.
Unlike cone speakers bass.
So I would say try some MMG or any small Magnepans.

With rugs on floor under speakers, you should be able to play music at reasonable levels and be happy.
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