Is louder better?

No, but less background sure does help. 2-4:00 am is the best listening times.. Nice quiet background, low volume listening, valves glowing... That's the best..

Drinkin' and volume go together..:-)

Regards

Is louder better?

Are there more details with higher volume?

Concert levels are the best, BUT your system has to do it without a shred of strain or distortion of any kind. Just as if you were playing it at neighbor friendly levels, the moment it does even slightly strain your ears tell you it's too loud.

Cheers George

Yes! Louder = Better.

Happy Listening!

Each track or recording will have an optimal level for playback. However, on a single CD by the same artist, you don't need to adjust levels as that was already done.

One way to partially get around this is by using "auto level" on the foobar equalizer. With this, you still need to account for the impedance and sensitivity rating of your headphones or speakers. Alternatively, CDs can be burned with real player (among others)  where you can set volume to be equal with each track. 

For instance, take a Senn HD569 - with an impedance of under 32 ohms. It can easily reach loud volumes.

Regarding detail retrieval as a characteristic of the transducer and/or audio gear, there is a set point with particular reference gear. Too little volume, and details are missed. To get it just right at about 65-70db means that you will be able to hear the full potential of the headphones or speakers you own.