Low Level, Nearfield Nirvana?


I recently purchased a pair of highly recommended Genelec powered neafield studio monitors for use with the MIDI output of a Steinway baby grand.

The good news is that it is very enjoyable to have these nearfield monitors on top of the piano, to play and to listen to CDs and the piano and the close proximity means they can be played at low volumes which comes in handy to me as a nocturnal apartment dweller. And I find something very intimate and seductive about listening so closely to the speakers.

The bad news is that to my audiophile ears, they sound like crap and could cut diamonds with their tweeters. Maybe it is just the fact that my sources are being run through a Mackie mixer or with a CD changer but the sound is really very fatiguing. I suppose for $1000.00 I shouldn't expect Jadis and Magneplanar sound....

But it makes me wonder -- do any of your systems -- especially nearfield set ups -- really sound MAGICAL at low volumes?? That would really impress me. And I would love to hear all about it.

Even systems that have sounded wonderful to me often get washed out at volumes already well above ones that maintain good relationships with urban neighbors.

Any secrets for the ultimate late night city (or sleeping spouse/children?) configuration?

Thank you.
cwlondon

Showing 1 response by cwlondon

Hmmmmmm.......interesting that we have two votes already for Proacs.

Would anyone vote for electrostatics for low volume magic?
I recently heard the new Quads being played through Quad amps and thought they sounded pretty good, if not very punchy.

As mentioned in my other posts, I am a Magneplanar fan and look forward to soon receiving a newly restored pair of Tympani IVs but maggies do sound better cranked up a bit, in my experience...

Any other ideas?