do planar or electrostatic speakers inherently

No, I have both. I do think they sound better though for other reasons at those volume levels.

Dave

I don't know about sounding "fuller", but...

Full-range electrostats tend to maintain the same tonal balance across a wide range of volume levels including very low levels, and usually have excellent detail and articulation so that you can still hear everything that's going on at low volume levels. In my opinion, full-range electrostatics are unsurpassed at low volume levels.

Planar magnetics tend to be not as good at maintaining tonal balance nor inner detail at very low volume levels.

Direct radiators may or may not do a good job with tonal balance at low volume levels; higher efficiency ones do best. Degree of detail also varies. When there's not enough, you have the urge to keep turning it up.

Note that these comments are generalizations.

Duke

In my experience, I tend to agree with your statement.

My ML Sequel IIs sounded better at moderate volumes, than they did at realistic sound levels. However, my Revel Studios sound better at realistic sound levels, than they do at moderate levels, albeit slightly.

(I think this had something to do with the speaker designs, and my not be inherent to all planer/electrostatics vs. dynamic speakers in general. The Sequel II was a little brittle at loud volumes, whereas the Studios really come to life when pushed.)

My two cents worth anyway.

I beg to differ.

I had the electrostatics (ML's Aerius, Aeon and Ascent), planar (Magnepan), single driver (Fostex in MLTL, still have it). At present, I have a 3 way active(Linkwitz Orion) speakers.

The Martin Logans sounds good at low level, but no bass. Maggies like to have power to wake it up. If you plan to listen at low level volume with maggies, IMO, you are asking too much! The single driver is also good at low level listening (mine powered by an 8 wpc SET)but dynamics is not for my taste. I prefer powering them with a modified Dynaco ST-70.

The Orion on the other hand have the full balance of tone, dynamics, and width of the soundstage at low, medium, or head banging levels. There is something different with an all active system. The balance of tonality and power distribution does not rely on how good the power amp handles the passive crossover because the amp only "sees" the driver impedance, nothing else. Yes, the Orion's active XO (ASP) plays a very big role in it. But since we are talking about low level listening, I would recommend for you to listen to the Orion from an owner near where you live and see for yourself. I bet, IMHO, that you have never heard anything like the presentation of this speakers has at low level volume, and beyond.

Of course, I not affiliated to the manufacturer! Etc. Etc.