Listening volume

IT depends.

Are they original Walsh 5s? Or newer Walsh 5 mk II, mk III, or latest 5000?

Also what cabinets, any other special customizations?

Any of these are good values for the right used price. ORiginal 5s should cost <$1000 normally I would expect.

New 5000s list at $6500. Not cheap, but still very good value for what you get.

My 5 mkIIIs in refurbed F cabinets (in my system pic) ended up costing me ~ $2400 direct from OHM. New 5 mkIIIs at the time listed for $6000. These used refurbed cabinets, were on summer sale to start, and I traded in two pair of old OHMs for the full value offered in addition.

I suspect rising distortion at higher volumes makes the whole listening at higher volumes thing a little unpleasant. It's one of those unpleasant things in life I'm afraid we get kind of used to, not knowing any better.

Is this true for several types of music / recording? I would think listening level is ideal when music is played around the same level as it was recorded. For me 90dB is too loud for normal listening. I find a sweet spot of 75 - 85dB in my room and am happy with everthing, including the soundstage.

In my room louder is better and better, until the point that is becomes too loud for comfort. The room not large and is extensively treated.

Mapman , I see the listing is gone , either sold or more likely expired, was 2nd or 3rd time around.
I believe they were MK II's .