Listening volume

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 .

Schu,

I've seen only on e pair here recently, that is now gone, a very nice custom finished pair of Walsh 5 100 mkIII (same drivers as mine), but custom new cabinetry. I don't recall the price exactly but I think not much more than what I paid for refurb, so I thought that to be a steal. They were very nice looking, custom Bubinga finish and marble bases I recall perhaps?

All Walsh models go loud and clear with proper amplification as I describe. Even my original Walsh 2s from 1983 never blinked, even when used outdoors at quite high volume (with just a good 80w/ch Tandberg receiver at the time). Sound in newer models tend to be more refined, focused and detailed to various degrees compared to originals, and more competitive sonically overall with other well regarded contemporary lines, but any originals in good working order going for market used prices is a very good value, if going loud and clear without strain breakup or noticeable compression is something you seek. Not to mention the unique advantages of the wide range/wide dispersion, Walsh-based omni design, ie huge sweet spot and excellent coherency top to bottom.

At the prices some OHMs go for, every audiophile should have a pair, just in order to be able to hear something completely different for a change when desired, if nothing more, just like a decent pair of headphones. :^)