Low Volumes

As an apt. dweller and the manager; here's how it goes: Your neighbor shouldn't even be able to know your stereo is on-- after 10pm. Meaning; if they can hear it,it's to loud.This applies to TVs, more often or low priced stereo systems. (There are no audiophiles here.)
I got 94 units and there are many types here. Some can hear a mouse fart,three floors above;(and they will let you know about it.)
I do have a unique advantage. When the apt. next to me is empty I can go over there at 3am and listen.
I have 4x8 panels of "sound board",from Home Depot; lining that wall.--That sucked the life out of the music so I had to add vinyl covered panel over the sound board. Also, this does nothing to control the bass,period.
My solutions are a great power conditioner;great cables and great components.---As to extract all the music---or as much of it as to be satisfying at lower listening levels.

Like Avguygeorge, I have some experience with managing rentals (8 years as a resident manager). While I agree that the presumption favors the complainer, and if it's audible at all in other units, you may get shut down, many jurisdictions have language like "peaceful enjoyment" which is probably not usually interpreted as a "right to silence," esp. before 10 or so. (Think of ordinary conversation, the sound of footsteps, or a baby crying.) In practice, and maybe in theory, I think managers (and judges) operate with a "reasonable person" standard, so that it helps your case if you can show that the music is not blaring. Elizabeth's suggestion of appealing to measurements could help you make your case, if you're unfortunate enough to live near someone who is always listening for mouse farts. John

Hi,

I agree with Larryi's recommendation regarding Audio Note. Audio Note electronics are excellent at low-level detail retrieval - which I believe is the critical in getting great sound at lower volume levels. However, for the most part, Audio Note amps are designed with very low output power (eight to sixteen watts is common). So, care most be given to select a speaker that has an impedance curve friendly to a low power tube amp. I’ve heard several Audio Note amps with both Audio Note speakers and with Zingali horns (which use a horn for the highs & mids and a dynamic speaker for the bass). Both types of speakers presented the type of sound that are well suited for what you are seeking - although, I prefer Audio Note hemp speakers. Also, Audio Note makes both kit speakers and amps, which can provide lower cost options (used Audio Note manufactured and kit equipment is fairly common on Audiogon).

Don

I've been thinking of this a bit myself. Have you thought of adopting a nearfield setup? You can get away with lower volumes and still possibly reach satisfying listening levels. I've been thinking those KEF monitors with the concentric drivers might do very well in a setup like that. Stereophile raved about the top of the line monitor, and I'm wondering if the lower-priced equivalents might not be pretty good.

-Bob

The OHM speakers in my system currently nearfield at low volume late at night is hard to fault also.

I was just listening to "Love Is Like Oxygen" by Sweet on my rig that way at low volume. I never realized how much really good audio stuff goes on in that trite tune by that way under appreciated pop rock band from the 70s!