Sometimes I need to listen at quite low volumes, so I was wondering how one would go about putting together a low volume system. Putting aside using the loudness button, would one go with a regular system and equalize it with an equalizer? Are there specific components one would consider?
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Putting together a system for low volume listening
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sebrof
Super Member
Depends on what you're looking for and what you mean by low volume, but I have found that big, sensitive (95db +) speakers do the low volume thing well. They sound nice and full at low volumes.
But because of the way we hear, the loudness button is a good trick.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fletcher–Munson_curves
But because of the way we hear, the loudness button is a good trick.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fletcher–Munson_curves
i was going to mention the loudness button. there are companies that execute variable loudness very well (my experience is with Yamaha and Accuphase). i woudld stay away from a separate equalizer, it's the wrong tool for the job.
also, you might want to think about relatively efficient speakers, and/or putting them close to the wall. and if you can make it near-field (sitting close to the speakers), that would also help.
also, you might want to think about relatively efficient speakers, and/or putting them close to the wall. and if you can make it near-field (sitting close to the speakers), that would also help.
cratz2
Addicted Member
I've generally found that I prefer less bright/detailed speakers for lower volume listening. I have a pair of Denon and SC5.5s and a pair of Sound Dynamics R65s. Neither are my favorite (or even 'good') for so-called critical listening but both, esp the Sound Dynamics, have provided hundreds of hours of rewarding lower volume listening.
I have a Denon integrated amp with the Variable Loudness and I do like the feature, but the left channel's gone a bit wonky. Pretty much any decent quality receiver or integrated amp should work very well.
I have a Denon integrated amp with the Variable Loudness and I do like the feature, but the left channel's gone a bit wonky. Pretty much any decent quality receiver or integrated amp should work very well.
cdfac, I'm puzzled by you talking about staying away from an equalizer, but suggesting the loudness button. Isn't the loudness button, simply a way to increase certain frequencies? How is it different, except you have more control with an EQ?
As I said in the post, let's put aside the loudness button, because it's so variable across manufacturers.
As I said in the post, let's put aside the loudness button, because it's so variable across manufacturers.
an EQ targets the frequency response around a relatively narrow frequency range, with several (or many) center frequencies to play with. the way the overlaps between adjacent frequencies sum together probably won't allow you to properly emulate the slope(s) of a traditional loudness curve. you'll end up with more bumpiness in the response. just seems simpler to me to find a unit with a good, transparent loudness compensator. but if you were to try this with an EQ, a parametric EQ would probably be your best bet, and i can't say for sure there'd be much of an audible difference between the two methods.
goldleaf
Super Member
What you describe is a near field situation. For that situation I use the sealed-box style Canton monitors. Their tweeters are incredibly clear.
Another good choice I would consider are the mini-Maggies. http://www.magnepan.com/model_mini_maggie
What I think is most important at close range is clarity so look for extraordinary tweeters and mids. I would not worry about the bottom end too much at those ranges (less than 4-5 feet away). This would allow other people to be in the same room and yet preserve stereo imaging which, IMO, is lost with headphones.
Another good choice I would consider are the mini-Maggies. http://www.magnepan.com/model_mini_maggie
What I think is most important at close range is clarity so look for extraordinary tweeters and mids. I would not worry about the bottom end too much at those ranges (less than 4-5 feet away). This would allow other people to be in the same room and yet preserve stereo imaging which, IMO, is lost with headphones.
JoeESP9
ESL's & tubes since 83
For true low level listening a loudness button is not really linear. The way to go is with a variable loudness control. To use one you set the volume to the maximum you'll ever use and turn the level down using the variable loudness control. This gives fairly accurate tracking of the Fletcher Munson curve and better sound overall. Many Yamaha and Nakamichi receivers and integrated amps have this feature. My old ARC SP3 had it also. IIRC there was at one time a stand alone variable loudness control box.
Although I don't really miss tone controls I do miss that variable loudness control. If some enterprising manufacturer decided to make and sell one I'd be at the front of the line to purchase one.
Although I don't really miss tone controls I do miss that variable loudness control. If some enterprising manufacturer decided to make and sell one I'd be at the front of the line to purchase one.
frommerstop
Super Member
Two options come to mind;
First, move to a near field listening position... usually closer to the speakers than they are to each other.
Second, as mentioned by others, look for a preamp/receiver with a VARIABLE loudness control. Luxman tend to have good ones, and older McIntosh often have good EQ/tone controls that have sufficient overlap to make quick adjustments for lower volume listening levels.
First, move to a near field listening position... usually closer to the speakers than they are to each other.
Second, as mentioned by others, look for a preamp/receiver with a VARIABLE loudness control. Luxman tend to have good ones, and older McIntosh often have good EQ/tone controls that have sufficient overlap to make quick adjustments for lower volume listening levels.
writethis
Well-Known Member
+1 on variable loudness control. The second system listed in my sig often needs to be enjoyed at very low volumes; the variable loudness knob on the Yamaha receiver (I use it as a tuner/preamp) is key for me. You can really fine tune, and it's simple and intuitive.
The other thing I've figured out in that system is that a tube power amp somehow helps more top, bottom and overall detail come through at low volumes. Somehow the solid state power section of the Yamaha receiver just can't do what tubes can in is regard.
Good luck!
The other thing I've figured out in that system is that a tube power amp somehow helps more top, bottom and overall detail come through at low volumes. Somehow the solid state power section of the Yamaha receiver just can't do what tubes can in is regard.
Good luck!
I was going to suggest Canton too. I have a set of Canton Ergo 8 speakers. Not mini, but not large either. They sound best at low to moderate volume levels. I have not heard them, but my understanding is that the British BBC style monitors also sound best at lower levels.
All of these are very high quality speakers but the Cantons can sometimes be found at a good price because they are relatively unknown in the USA.
sebrof
Super Member
Not sure about the mini-Maggies, but I've had 2 pairs of Maggies (MG12, MG 1.6) and one thing I did not like about them is that I needed to give them a little juice before they started to sound full.
So I'm not sure they'd fit the bill for the OP.
That, and the $1495 price tag.
And the fact they're not floorstanders.
NeonDriver
Well-Known Member
I would suggest high efficiency speakers also. My Silver Iris sound really nice and full at low volumes, no details seem to be missing. I never use the loudness contour.
musichal
poet emeritus
Low-level listening (LLL) using my sealed-cab ADS L-780 speakers has been rewarding, and the sound is clean via their mid and HF dome drivers. At LL there is bass present but not at all overwhelming; they've become my favorites for listening at very low levels. Loud, they can be a bit too chesty for me, but that may just be an assett for low to moderate levels which is where they shine, imo. No tone adjustment necessary in this room and placement. A good bit of LLL over time convinced me of their worth. (I'm about 8 feet from the speakers, so we're not talking near-field in my case.)
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frommerstop
Super Member
Some of the full range driver systems from companies like Fostex, Lowther, or Moth, can work well at low volumes too. I often listen to my Cicadas at low volumes, but I still tend to use a "loudness" control with them too.
HomeBody
Passion not Critisism
You pleasantly described my Fisher w/a pair of Optimus STS