Low level listening


I am interested in everybody's thoughts on speakers on low level listening. Currently I have Tekton Lore's. They are the upgraded model and I like them, but they open to most of the time at a higher volume then I'm comfortable with. Smart me had to much fun listening to live music. " tinnitus".  I have ordered Magnapan LRS+ which I auditioned at my home which seemed more articulate at lower volumes. Any other ideas would be appreciated. Speakers or cures ? Just kidding about cures. 

128x128bobdavid

It isn't just the speakers that sound good at low volume, it is the entire system.  The better the system, the less you need to turn it up.  you would benefit greatly by upgrading to one of what Tekton calls their "Flagship"--probably Moab, Encore, or Symphony would suit your needs.  

I find a great DAC and a Great tube amp with these high sensitivity speakers make listening at low levels even more enjoyable that high levels.

Jerry

My KEF’s don’t start to blossom until 60-65 dbs and above, then they’re great! Not that they sound bad at lower levels.

My old Epi 100 speakers sound great at low volumes, as does my Heresy IV.  Both also sound great at moderate and high volumes.  There doesn't need to be a tradeoff.

 

Yes the Great MBL Omni directional Loudspeakers Everywhere is the sweet spot and pick up information on the recording that’s lost with the vast majority of Loudspeakers being the most critical midrange,and tweeter are outside of the cabinet enclosure,yes even at low volumes ,starting with their smallest speaker the 126 monitors , 

I have long used Quad stats and a few years ago, had my '57s restored by Electrostatic Solutions. You don't have to play them loud (in fact, they will not play at jet take off levels) to get the musical information. I use them in an all vintage tube system that has been brought to spec with fresh old stock glass.

By comparison, my main system, horns and SETs, can also deliver the musical information at low db levels. That system can play loud but I often listen at modest levels. (To get the woofers to energize the room, you have to give it some power). 

In comparison, I think the Quads act as a filter- they aren't as efficient and seem to give a warm sheen to most music- the horns are extremely revealing, more of a microscope on the music. I think, on balance, despite the '57s legendary transparency, I'm actually hearing more musical information with the horns than the Quads, but the latter sure are nice. Maybe it is the tube complement on the Quad system too compared to what drives the horns. (More "old fashioned" v. modern). For me, it was a bit of an epiphany, given that I've always considered the Quad "transparent."