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

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

 

 

Lots of good advice .eq is still a valid option,I love dsp it works for me. Enjoy the hunt and the music.

I also vote for headphones. 
 

I had the same situation exactly. About 8 months ago I stepped up for a decent headphone setup. I love it. Wife is happy, and therefore I am happy. As they say, happy wife, happy life. 

McIntosh MHA200 amp

Grado RS1x phones. 

Not sure why this comes up so often, but an eq of some sort solves the problem. I use a Shiit Loki Max as it has remote and works as it should.

5/7/2026 Update: 

Using the Parametric EQ I am trying:

@ 500Hz    +4dB

@ 3000Hz  +3dB

Sounds much better.  

Thanks again.