Is louder better?

Again, louder does wonders for speakers output. 
   Raises bass, and sound.    I play a bit louder to make the speakers sound their best.  

@skyscraper —true indeed

quiet music played loud please 

I like loud (90+db) but usually I listen more in the 70-80db (peak) volumes. It’s more comfortable over time. My system isn’t fatiguing at all. I am just bombarded by loud all the time. A little more mellow is good. And I totally disagree with “play at concert levels” thing... that will kill your ears faster than anything. I’m a professional drummer, so I am VERY familiar with loud. I always wear ear protection at concerts these days. We are only getting older and I like hearing with detail.

I find that the optimum level for listening is about a tenth of a twist higher than the level at which I worry that it is going to bother the people in neighboring apartments. I do believe there is a minimum level that you must have to get the full benefit of your system. Paul McGowan of PS Audio has done a number of enlightening YouTube clips on this subject:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=PS+audio+low+level