...bookshelf speakers that sound good at low volume...


Hello to all...

Looking for new bookshelf speakers that sound good at low volume

CD-only listening; powering with 35w/8ohm Monoprice integrated, with silver interconnects; speaker cable home made twisted 14g solid core copper, bare wire connected to JBL L25 "PRIMA" Big 2-ways...

In approx. 14’ x14’ room in apt: multi use area - dining/kitchen/tv-gaming

If dedicated listening: approx 8’away (speaker cabinets 6’ center to center; speakers are not mirror-image const.)

Speakers sound great at medium+ volume - they really sing - but are really muddy and not detailed at low volume.

Options: replace integrated with vintage or new 50-75w/ch (with or without DAC) OR new or vintage bookshelf speakers... budget $500-$1000 max.

Located in Metro NYC area...

At present - I am gonna keep the JBLs: could their low volume presentation change with a better or higher wattage integrated?

I know I am casting a wide net here, not looking for " try it - see how it sounds": looking for experiences and opinions based on trial and errors of others willing to share.

Thanks in advance to all... Best Wishes - Be Well...
insearchofprat
Something I struggled with for years!!!    And I went through every speaker from 15” Tannoys & Harbeths from their biggest 40.1 to the little P3ESR (as suggested above) in search of the answer.

The problem isn’t your speakers.  Have a read on Fletcher Munson Curve.

Some people will tell you “I’ve got XYZ speaker & it sounds great at low volumes”.   I’ve sat in rooms with guys who clearly can’t hear or feel bass or dynamics.  Music with no bass or life for me isn’t worth listening to.

I would suggest you look into an integrated with a Boost button.   That’s what they’re for, low level listening.   Or some other form of EQ.   Or get a good quality sealed Sub (which I have) that you can tweak to suit your level.


Good luck!
Tone controls, especially loudness buttons, were designed especially for this problem.  They let you tailor your sound to your listening mode.

However, if you want to do this the most expensive way, with speakers, try Dynaudio or Dali.

Best,

E
Wharfedale 225's excell at this in my opinion...yes not the upper echelon of loud speaker, but a quality speaker at a most reasonable price. 
My expertise in audio ? 45 years . Have had a lot of systems , tubes and solid states so I know a little on the subject . First , changing the amp won't help much . That being said , take heed , be sure it is a high current design . That helps and makes a difference . But more importantly the speaker . I'm sure there surely are many options . One of them I can easily recommend which always impressed me by how clearly and dynamic they sounded at low volumens are the LSA 1 reference . They are discontinued now but pop up every so often on Ebay , Usaudio and audiogon . 
Not only do they sound good at low volumens but great at any loudness . I bought mine at Ebay for 300.00 . They were 1,300.00 new . Highly recommended .