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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
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.
b_limo's avatar
b_limo OP
829 posts
 
Okay, so these are some speakers that are for sale locally: magnepan 2.7qr for $600, magnepan mg-1 for $550, or some martin logan aerius i for $800,
I like what Elizabeth was saying about the bass not traveling through walls as much with maggies vs conventional speakers, that might have sold me on the idea of the maggies. So now the question is, buy a more expensive pld used pair and gamble with reliability or get a new pair of inexpensive ones like the mmg's??
seikosha
205 posts
 
I think you definitely are going to have to look to bookshelf designs with smaller drivers and less bass to minimize any sound intrusions upon the neighbors. Something I've learned is that the less air that is being pushed correlates to less potential to irritate the neighbors and this may or may not be consistent with specified low frequency bass response.

One thing I've noticed is that with a good quality tube amp and high efficiency speakers, you can really get away with listening with less volume than traditional setups. Hard to explain but you just get so much detail at lower levels that you won't have a need to turn it up.

Last suggestion, two speakers that I have that work well at lower volumes are the Silverline Minuets and then at a higher price range, the little Harbeth P3ESR but I'm sure there are many others out there that folks will recommend.

Good luck!
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
My advice on audio and newly married is just say no. No to audio, that is. From your comments it is suggested that you have not had a heart to heart audio talk with your bride to be. Does she know you have this addiction? Apparently not, given all the work arounds you describe. If this addiction is not fully disclosed before your marriage, it will create serious problems. Failure to involve her from the outset in your need for audio will be a big mistake. You must tell this women that she will be required to live in an 'audio world', for better or worst. Do it quickly before the expense of a wedding takes hold.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
2.7qr for $600 and they have no rattling sounds (from glue coming loose?) yes buy them.
You will like them
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