If you find that your system sounds better at lower listening levels, then your new preferred listening levels are most likely minimizing all the shortcomings and distortions that louder volumes cannot mask. Hence, it can sound more 'musical' in some ways.
And what you may have recently discovered is already predominant in most every other system.
That aside, it sounds like you have opted for less resolution in your new preamp but want what your old preamp offered, e.g. tighter bass, etc.. But a good component should be a good component regardless of the reasonable listening volume differences.
Your change in direction toward lower listening levels may make your hobby easier to satisfy, but such potential new colorations and new directions ultimately will take you in the direction opposite of live music. And there's certainly nothing wrong with that if that is indeed your intention.
But you should keep in mind that all live performances consist of exactly 100% detail. Never more and never less. Regardless of your seating perspective.
Along that same vein, I would also like to suggest that when in doubt, err on the side of detail and resolution. The better resolution is ultimately the only means of locating the flaws in a given system and the only means toward a more natural and musical sonic presentation.
But when one attempts to mask the flaws (or concentrate on the affects rather than the cause) via the selection of certain components or listening levels, they are inevitably masking the music as well as the flaws.
-IMO
And what you may have recently discovered is already predominant in most every other system.
That aside, it sounds like you have opted for less resolution in your new preamp but want what your old preamp offered, e.g. tighter bass, etc.. But a good component should be a good component regardless of the reasonable listening volume differences.
Your change in direction toward lower listening levels may make your hobby easier to satisfy, but such potential new colorations and new directions ultimately will take you in the direction opposite of live music. And there's certainly nothing wrong with that if that is indeed your intention.
But you should keep in mind that all live performances consist of exactly 100% detail. Never more and never less. Regardless of your seating perspective.
Along that same vein, I would also like to suggest that when in doubt, err on the side of detail and resolution. The better resolution is ultimately the only means of locating the flaws in a given system and the only means toward a more natural and musical sonic presentation.
But when one attempts to mask the flaws (or concentrate on the affects rather than the cause) via the selection of certain components or listening levels, they are inevitably masking the music as well as the flaws.
-IMO