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Low volume (loudness) listening

I do a lot of my listening early in the morning and/or late at night when my wife is sleeping.  I listen to CDs I have ripped to my MacBook Air and to Tidal, both via Roon, and a few internet radio stations.  The loudest I listen would be 60dB.  I understand and it has been my experience that at lower volumes I am missing a lot; especially bass and vocals.  Suggestions on what I can do?

My system:  Sonus Faber Olympica Nova 3 speakers, Pair of REL T/7x subwoofers, Moon 390 preamp, Moon 330A amp, Emotiva CD player (used occasionally), Roon Nucleus One (Roon core) and LAIV Harmony DAC.  

The Room:  16 ft X 22 ft living room.  8 ft ceiling.  Oak floors.  Reasonably damped with furniture, rugs and wall absorption.  TV mounted on wall between speakers and behind furniture with equipment -- common setup.

Thanks for the help.

Evan

evanpress
zlone
1,325 posts
 

Nice system. I have similar low volume listening habits and I have optimized my system for it. I have been able avoid DSP so far, though I did try some convolution filters that were supplied with my speakers. My advice is going to be vague, but do everything to optimize your digital system possible, this can bring a level of clarity and depth you did not know was possible. Also consider something like Stack Auva footers or Townsend podiums for your speakers, these can wring out another level of improvement. Clean power is important as well, if you don’t have dedicated lines, start there.

Lowering your noise floor will yield significant results for low volume listening.

erik_squires
17,538 posts
 

The FM loudness curve is good, but for implementation, the Schiit Loki may be your best option. 

I use Roon and DSP, but AFAIK, it doesnt' let you set an EQ curve or turn it off easily.  I mean, you CAN use very advanced parametrics, but you can't name it "night time" and then turn it on/off from your app. 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,413 posts
 

+1 Headphones. 

Over the years I assembled a truly great headphone system. I had no idea how incredible and fully satisfying they can sound... but it constitutes a lot of work and expense. Although for me I have only about 10% the value of my main system... so there is that. One of the great things as well, is that you can use them at times when the house is quiet... adding to their dynamics. 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,940 posts
 

@evanpress 

Nice setup!

You’d be surprised how much you can hear when you’re close to the speakers.  I do a lot of near field listening in my office any a little less bass is the only thing I notice and that’s listening @45-55 dbs and that’s probably my old cheap Yamaha speakers.  While headphones will give you the best performance, I think you will enjoy the SF sound.

All the best.

yesiam_a_pirate's avatar
yesiam_a_pirate
322 posts
 

Nicely curated system Evan!

I had the same problem in a large room such as you have. I also like to listen to full range music quietly in the late evening.

I upgraded my REL T7/x to REL Serie S which added more presence. I also added a Manley Massive Passive EQ.  While I like tweaking on the EQ the most substantive and satisfying upgrade was the subs with the correct crossover settings. 

I found this valuable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdo4yWobFwc

 

 

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