What type of speaker still sounds good at low listening levels?
- Thread starter Ricky64
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mep
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How low do you consider a low listening level?
Puma Cat
Well-known member
Q: What type of speaker still sounds good at low listening levels?
Quad or Martin-Logan electrostatics. For dynamic driver speakers, my Buchardt S400IIs are excellent as well, one of the best dynamic speakers I've ever heard and the best I've ever owned.
steve59
Member
I was about to change my speakers because they sounded flat and boring and low volume until my dealer sent me home with a different amp. It was hard to believe I was listening to the same speakers.
JCS123
Active member
Steve, I've had similar experiences. A lot of people, maybe most people on an audio forum, will say that you should build the system around the speakers. But this approach implies that the speakers are the most important part of the chain. I would argue that the amplification is the base of the system (in my case, especially power amps). I know this for sure - I swap in speakers, digital and analog sources, subwoofers cables and tweaks way more often than I replace my amps.
Now granted, I paid a lot more for my amps and sources, and in some cases even for a single cable, than I paid for my speakers. I am very lucky that I love how these $650 speakers perform in my system, but I'm also confident that my current amps will be up to the task driving any set of speakers that I will be able to afford in this lifetime.
Bones13
Active member
As my re-entry into the audio scene started with SPDIF from my office computer, using ASIO+SPDIF to a Lavry DAC to a tubed headphone amp to Senn HD650s. Most the audio gear for this purpose had beginnings in the "professional" arena. The "hifi" DACs (digital decoders or processors) back then were prohibitively expensive for a guy raising 3 youngsters.
Have you considered headphones for your "quiet" listening?
I too have found that I prefer the tone obtained by enough power being fed into speakers. This has led me to continue to use headphones, even open back ones, when I need to keep the noise level down. I also find the headphones useful when I am listening to low music, to keep other outside noises to a minimum. Of course IEMs work really well for that.
Have you considered headphones for your "quiet" listening?
I too have found that I prefer the tone obtained by enough power being fed into speakers. This has led me to continue to use headphones, even open back ones, when I need to keep the noise level down. I also find the headphones useful when I am listening to low music, to keep other outside noises to a minimum. Of course IEMs work really well for that.
CPP
Active member
Same here Bones
Horns