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Audiogon member suggestions for a speaker that sounds good at low volume!!!

I am looking for speaker suggestions (new or used) in the $1000-$4000 range that sound good at low volume (45-50db).  I listen to mostly jazz and classical music late at night while everyone else is sleeping so the volume is low.  My current speakers are Vandy 2CE sigs and they sound good at higher volume levels but I listen most critically, at low volume and hope to do better.  My amp is a Classe CT-2300 with a Classe CP-800 preamp. I have a larger room 20ft X 20ft but seldom listen to music loud. Monitor of floor standing is fine.  

I understand the limitation of human hearing (Fletcher-Munson Curve) and also an appreciation of the synergy of speaker design, speaker placement and room effects.  Anyone out there have a speaker they like at low volume?

Thank you in advance.


128x1282tuby
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,753 posts
 
Those quoting spl would help by stating how you are arriving at that...
RS analog SPL
and calibrated b&K into Audio Tools RTA on the iPad 

the ipad built in mic, and my iPhone are off by a scant 10db

of course, yourmilagemay vary

tannoy56's avatar
tannoy56
93 posts
 
Tannoy, Tannoy and Tannoy - not only they sound incredible but they keep their value as well.
If you buy anything else you will loose money in the long term - like most the audiophiles on this forum. There is a good reason why Vintage Tannoy speakers keep increasing in value, although there are plenty of those speakers made ( more than studio JBL, Altec Jensen.....).  So, you can't loose if you buy vintage Tannoy speakers - if you don’t like them you can always resell them on the open market and even make an extra cash for yourself. However, keep in mind that most the audiophiles who had sold their Tannoy speakers, have eventually regretted it later. Good luck.
sixsigmaguy
15 posts
 
QUAD Z2 with Benchmark Amp and DAC3
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,500 posts
 
+ jmolsberg 

omega speakers sound wonderful at lower levels, I  recommend the High Out Put versions though for more complex music though and the regular ones for jazz and the like.  wonderful speakers for the money, huge sound scape (I use sound scape as they image better then any speaker I've heard your in the  performance). 

melbguy_one
26 posts
 
Generally speaking I think higher efficiency speakers play better at low volumes vs inneficient speakers. Though I wouldn't underestimate the influence of a power amplifier. For example, I was very impressed by the Modwright KWA-150SE which has excellent inner detail, resolution and control at low volumes. Plus that amp sounds tube-like and musical, and is very well built. Just the addition of an amp like the Modwright might very well give you the sound you're looking for.
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