[danthon]

I'm trying to build a great system for listening to while laying in bed with a toddler sleeping in the next room. Currently have ceiling mounted Kef Q100s that I'm underwhelmed by (they are disappointing at any volume, but especially fall apart at low levels).

I need bookshelf size speakers that perform exceptionally well at low volume.

I'm a big fan of Danny's work (had a custom design I built years ago that Danny designed Xovers for). Would love to know which speakers of the current GR offerings would be the best fit.

Also, are there any standard speaker testing data points that will be a good indicator of performance at low levels? Sensitivity is one metric, but are there others?

[richidoo]

You need large woofers to keep decent bass at low volume. Acoustic impedance (grip on the air) increases with cone area and cone velocity.
The Brute and Bully have large woofers so they would be perfect.

[jmimac351]

This is not what's on your mind, and it's not something I have gotten into - but eventually will.

When I was at GR in March, I had a chance to hear the first(?) headphone.  It was REALLY GOOD.  I have an "extra" RME ADI-2 DAC FS that is a really cool little unit.  And it supposedly will really drive headphones as well. 

Perhaps you have headphones or have experienced it.  I was pretty impressed, and I think there are even better ones coming out. Maybe something to consider / try.  But, I like buyin' gear too. 

The other thing may be this.  With a particular speaker I sent to Danny last year, it used a Morel woofer with big voice coil.  Danny said he doesn't like huge coils like that for that use because they take some spurs to get going and sound decent.  As I recall, not good for lower level. 

So, maybe something along that path with woofers that are light and fast... but how about that - I think all of his are.

[corndog71]

The NX Bravo might be good option. 

[VinceT]

I have a pair of Encore's in my bedroom system. With some EQ they have have excellent bass amd no need for a sub, and do well at low volumes. I do recommend paying for the upgraded kit.

[listenermark]

I listen to a pair of X-LS Encores near field  (with a 12" powered sub very modestly supporting) at my shared workspace averaging 65 db-ish.  It's dynamic, detailed, and easy to listen to for long stretches.

[KTS]

I had a similar question a while back. The XLS Encore’s are an excellent choice, however I found the amp and pre amp have just as much impact on low level listening.

[danthon]

This has been really informative - thank you all for your input.

I hadn't considered that a large voice coil might need some juice to get it moving and consequently not be a great fit for low level listening.

And great to hear that some of you are using X-LS Encores and liking them for a bedroom system.

I'm going to order a flatpack next payday!

[jmimac351]

Danthon, I have a bit of a... "speaker problem".    I admit it.  Speakers are fun... but I can't own them all...well... Ok, no, I can't own them all. 

I picked up a pair of Walnut cabinets from Denton for a song.  Denton advertised them here as they were clearing some stuff out.  They aren't "perfect", but they look "right" and are a great deal.  They have just a slight little blemish or 2 that can easily be touched up with a furniture marker, or just left alone... not a big deal at all.  To me, it's patina.  They would just end up being "an extra pair of speakers" for me, and Lord knows I have others.

I got a great deal on the cabinets, and the woofers were gifted to me by Frederick Del Rosario, who does exceptional crossover building - and is also a very kind and decent person.  I'll pass along that deal on the cabinets to you, and give you the woofers as well.  I have a brand new pair of tweeters that I thought I would use in some other wild hair idea, but realize now that I won't.  I have the Sonicap upgrade and the parts you need.  You'd have completed cabinets, and you'd get to do the crossover / general assembly.

I can get some pics later today and I'll reach out to you.  If you decide you'd like to do your own thing, that's cool too.  If someone else reads this and has interest, and if I think you will actually use them and they will be special to you - I'll pass along the same deal. I want a deal to go to someone who will keep them.

Welcome to the club.

[danthon]

Danthon, I have a bit of a... "speaker problem".    I admit it.  Speakers are fun... but I can't own them all...well... Ok, no, I can't own them all. 

I picked up a pair of Walnut cabinets from Denton for a song.  Denton advertised them here as they were clearing some stuff out.  They aren't "perfect", but they look "right" and are a great deal.  They have just a slight little blemish or 2 that can easily be touched up with a furniture marker, or just left alone... not a big deal at all.  To me, it's patina.  They would just end up being "an extra pair of speakers" for me, and Lord knows I have others.

I got a great deal on the cabinets, and the woofers were gifted to me by Frederick Del Rosario, who does exceptional crossover building - and is also a very kind and decent person.  I'll pass along that deal on the cabinets to you, and give you the woofers as well.  I have a brand new pair of tweeters that I thought I would use in some other wild hair idea, but realize now that I won't.  I have the Sonicap upgrade and the parts you need.  You'd have completed cabinets, and you'd get to do the crossover / general assembly.

I can get some pics later today and I'll reach out to you.  If you decide you'd like to do your own thing, that's cool too.  If someone else reads this and has interest, and if I think you will actually use them and they will be special to you - I'll pass along the same deal. I want a deal to go to someone who will keep them.

Welcome to the club.

I am intrigued and open to considering your generous offer! Thank you.

[jmimac351]

I am intrigued and open to considering your generous offer! Thank you.

I'll send you some pictures and details.

[aranawhite]

I had a similar question a while back. The XLS Encore’s are an excellent choice, however I found the amp and pre amp have just as much impact on low level listening.

C'mon KT don't hoard the goods, please elaborate on your findings.  If you're trying to keep it short, don't, many love a long read on experience, or bullets...bam.

If you discussed them in a previous thread please link it.  The chain matters, but there's a million combinations.

Thanks either way,  Happy New Year!

Cameron

[aranawhite]

Danthon, I have a bit of a... "speaker problem".    I admit it.  Speakers are fun... but I can't own them all...well... Ok, no, I can't own them all. 

I picked up a pair of Walnut cabinets from Denton for a song.  Denton advertised them here as they were clearing some stuff out.  They aren't "perfect", but they look "right" and are a great deal.  They have just a slight little blemish or 2 that can easily be touched up with a furniture marker, or just left alone... not a big deal at all.  To me, it's patina.  They would just end up being "an extra pair of speakers" for me, and Lord knows I have others.

I got a great deal on the cabinets, and the woofers were gifted to me by Frederick Del Rosario, who does exceptional crossover building - and is also a very kind and decent person.  I'll pass along that deal on the cabinets to you, and give you the woofers as well.  I have a brand new pair of tweeters that I thought I would use in some other wild hair idea, but realize now that I won't.  I have the Sonicap upgrade and the parts you need.  You'd have completed cabinets, and you'd get to do the crossover / general assembly.


 
I can get some pics later today and I'll reach out to you.  If you decide you'd like to do your own thing, that's cool too.  If someone else reads this and has interest, and if I think you will actually use them and they will be special to you - I'll pass along the same deal. I want a deal to go to someone who will keep them.

Welcome to the club.

[jmimac351]

I am intrigued and open to considering your generous offer! Thank you.

I got this stuff together... see your messages.   If you don't want them, I'll post them up for someone else to enjoy.  I tried to get the lighting to show what they look like in person... you get the idea.

The woofers are yours for free, the tweeters are brand new, copper foil inductors for the woofers, Sonicaps for tweeter, JB cap for woofer.  All crossover parts (caps / inductors) are brand new. 

These are the cabinets ---> https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=190002.new#new

I have several more pics to share with a prospective buyer.   

[jmimac351]

Danthon is going to do his own thing with the speaker, and I have decided to keep it... for something I figure "must be coming"...

This is too easy not to keep and play with.  I just got a Clio measurement device.  I'll be able to take measurements are start REALLY playing.  Danny made the woofers easy to correct so they are happy.  I am NOT saying this is easy, just that it'll make good music... and I bet I might get a few tips along the way. 

For those who don't realize... this is the waveguide from the NX-Bravo that I'll try to shoehorn into a used LS-Encore cabinet... with the larger M165 driver. 

This is something I figured would be possible when I bought the NX-Bravo and Hobbs' new waveguide.  I have the 3D printer file and just got a 3D printer.  I can trim this waveguide as needed to fit this cabinet, and just print new ones myself for the other speaker... or vice versa.

Plus, I already have a network for the tweeter.  I can look at the network for the M130 woofer of the NX-Bravo, and try something similar with the M165. 

But... won't that ruin this cabinet for use with the original soft dome tweeter?  Well, with a 3D printer I can make an adapter to mount the T26 tweeter back in this enclosure, in case I wanted the Neo 3 for something else.  I'm not saying I would do that, but Hobbs doing this 3D printing stuff makes it so that I can if I want to.