Is louder better?

As with many things more is not necessarily better, but there is a "proper" volume that is determined by your individual circumstance of all the factors mentioned above.  Probably didn't need my 2 cents on this one... as I'm confident you know when it is the correct volume for a given recording.

I do find late night listening at moderate levels very rewarding.

Regards,
barts

Agree with the thought that each track has optimal level to sound best. However, I think each particular room should be taken into consideration as well. Too loud in one room but just right in another.

"In this world louder is better David."

«Details are in the silence before the explosion»-Anonymus Smith


For sure the volume must be set optimally, between loud and too quiet, music live between the threshold of hearing and listening....