Nrchy has a very valid point, which is that the ear is much less sensitive to bass than to midrange especially at low volume levels. A 20 or 30 Hz tone at 60 dB is inaudible. At 80 dB a 30 Hz tone is audible, but a 20 Hz tone is only barely audible. I'm not sure what you mean by "low volume", but it's quite possible that the extra money you spend to get down to 20 Hz will be pretty much wasted.
As far as speakers that excel in articulation at low volume levels, traditionally electrostats and high efficiency systems do very well in this area. Unfortunately, I don't know of any suitably small electrostatic or high efficiency speakers that offer the kind of bass extension you're asking for.
One of the things to watch out for is this: Often the drivers in a given multiway loudspeaker have differing power compression characteristics. The designer has probably adjusted their relative loudness levels to sound best at medium to high volume levels, but this may be at the expense of good tonal balance at very low volume levels. Have you ever noticed that some speakers sound great at medium-high volume levels, overly bright at very high levels, and dull and lifeless at very low volume levels? These are symptoms of the tweeter having less power compression than the woofer.
The most articulate low-level speaker I know of is the Sound Lab line of full-range electrostats (which I peddle - surprise, surprise). The M-3 is the smallest, but the A-3 is better looking. If either might interest you let me know, as I have access to some used but fully refurbished pairs at very attractive prices. www.soundlab-speakers.com
Best of luck in your quest!
Duke
As far as speakers that excel in articulation at low volume levels, traditionally electrostats and high efficiency systems do very well in this area. Unfortunately, I don't know of any suitably small electrostatic or high efficiency speakers that offer the kind of bass extension you're asking for.
One of the things to watch out for is this: Often the drivers in a given multiway loudspeaker have differing power compression characteristics. The designer has probably adjusted their relative loudness levels to sound best at medium to high volume levels, but this may be at the expense of good tonal balance at very low volume levels. Have you ever noticed that some speakers sound great at medium-high volume levels, overly bright at very high levels, and dull and lifeless at very low volume levels? These are symptoms of the tweeter having less power compression than the woofer.
The most articulate low-level speaker I know of is the Sound Lab line of full-range electrostats (which I peddle - surprise, surprise). The M-3 is the smallest, but the A-3 is better looking. If either might interest you let me know, as I have access to some used but fully refurbished pairs at very attractive prices. www.soundlab-speakers.com
Best of luck in your quest!
Duke