Low level listening system choice

When listening to new kit, I always do some low volume listening, and regard this as one of the toughest tests of a good system. Forget modernising and stick with upgrading - how about a 282?

I have struggled with this issue too, finding that low-level balance and also one that can boogie when required. My comment may come off a bit different, but I find that maybe changing your amplification won't do that much for this, in my opinion. Changing your speakers to something that is more sensitive and easier to drive at lower levels may be what is needed here. Something along the lines of Tannoy, Devore, the new Heco Direkt or others. Trenner & Friedl Pharoah and a new model called the Osiris may also be options. FWIW.

hi Chris, I'say your set-up is great already , no need to be replaced .

Actually a separate streamer ,such as ND5XS or NDX, would even be the best route to get nice low volume listening.

Thanks Antonio. I have added an "affordable" player (Pioneer N50) to learn and experience the streaming age. It is really a great way to enjoy music so now wondering what the next step should be.

+1 to adding an ND5 XS. The Pioneer will show you what is possible, but may not show you how good streaming can be. Swapping the 202 and the N50 for a NAC N272 would be good, but it's a lot of money. Maybe looking out for a pre-owned ND5-XS would be a good transition, especially as you could sell it in again without a big loss once you have decided which way you are going.

best

David

A ND5XS would be excellent but I'd also consider a 282 - masses more resolution over the 202 and is fantastic with classical. 

You need to have a clear idea of how you want your system to evolve. If you want a streamer that is on a par with your current source, you'll probably want to look at an NDX. If you want less boxes, maybe swap the 202/Hicap/NAPSC for a 272, but I think you'll find the SU too much of a step down. If you just want better sound, I still think a 282 might be the best move.

I don't get why high sensitive speakers are always suggested for low level listening.

You are better off with speakers with  85db then 90db. Sure your amp needs to work hard to play equally loud.
But you can adjust your volume over a wider range, making it even easier to play at low volumes.

As is often suggested an unbalance between lift and right can occur when the know is almost down to zero.

My suggestions. A fearly large speaker that has no problem with playing the whole frequency range at a low volume.
It wouldn't be the first time you hear: 'To get life into those speaker you need to turn up the volume'

Interesting contrast in advice so far.  I would think that low-level listening would benefit most from low noise floor and low distortion.  So improvements in source, power supply, speakers or amp would be of benefit if they reduce noise and distortion.  So a starting point would be replace the pioneer, then get the Hicap upgraded to DR.  

Charlie

Is it your choice on the sound level (neighbours/other house members) or just you don't want it playing loud ?   Maybe headphones are the answer ?

My best sounding low level rig was a 552 into a 300 driving a pair of Merlin VSM's (89 db. 6.5 ohms minimum impedance) using the Merlin BAM in the tape loop.  Total Naim heresy but it sounded great at low levels and great at normal volume.     My son has a Unitiqute 2 into a pair of Blumenstein Thrashers.  This is very efficient (92 db, 8 ohm) and sounds great and dynamic at low volume.  

I understand what you are looking for.  I don't think the less efficient speakers sound great at low volume.   Not in my experience.

I recently added fc2x to nait xs and low volume listening has improved greatly which was unexpected but hugely beneficial 

lower noise and easier to follow music

I agree that low volume listening does not demand high efficiency speakers. Better amplification will grip any speaker better at any volume, even more so at low.

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. Looks like one of the the easy one would be to replace the N50 by the nd5xs and then look for a good deal on a 282 when funds are available.

no, just get the ND5XS now , your NAC202/HICAP will be more than adequate you even decided to get a PSU for the streamer.

As for Speakers, yes , a change could also be beneficial but FIRST: speakers are room dependent (they could be just adequate for your room, I hope you chose on this basis) SECOND: yours have not yet expressed their full potentials I reckon (and you could be surprised the better source would solve).

If all this fails change speakers but not before.

The move to a better source in your case has to be done regardless.

What cables are you using Chris? 

The cables were supplied by the Naim dealer with the 202/200 back in 2006. I cannot remember the brand but they are not nac04 or 05. They are very flexible and have a kind of lose braided red jacket.

Chrissw19 posted:

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. Looks like one of the the easy one would be to replace the N50 by the nd5xs and then look for a good deal on a 282 when funds are available.

 

If you're aiming for 282 level, I think you should should consider an NDX to end up with a balanced system that works for you in the long term. I know it's easy to say when you're spending someone else's money, but........get yourself to a dealer and decide with your own ears. 

Maybe demo some TQ cables. I'm currently using Black. I too, at the moment, rarely go above 9 on my nait5i dial, and lower still once the children are asleep. I find with the TQ cables I just get lost in the music. They let the music flow in a way I'd never heard before. Highly recommended. 

I was using a third party streamer with my 82/250/supercap system purchased a ex demo NDX last year an absolute game changer in my system sugested you hear one in your system I think you'll be suprised at the difference.

Heard an NDX with a 282 and 250 dr at Audio T Bristol. Stunning! 

I have an ND5 XS and a Nait XS-2 driving a pair of Spendor SP2s, this setup works well at low level, as well as loud enough to have the neighbours calling round because I can't hear my telephone!  However with you amp setup, I'd recommend the NDX if your budget will stretch.

After that if you want to go further look at a 282 and/or look at speakers that are an easy load (i.e. their minimum impedance isn't too low).