I've read that chord hugo tt2 was designed with extra robust output that can drive low levels to speakers, and it's highly regarded. I get good sound out of large boxes with clean 300w ML532h SS amp. I use all digital and have found JRiver Media Center's variable loudness (similar to Yamaha and Denon loudness dials) to be very useful at low levels. It also has a PEQ to allow any other tweaking you might want. I think the room matters less at low levels due to reflections being too low in absolute level. Micro-dynamics might be more important with low level too. Audioquest Hurricane HC did wonders in this regard on my usb-spdif convertor. Good luck, this was a good thread!