Recommendations for speakers that sound great at lower volume levels.

Props to OP for a great topic that matters a lot in some systems but isn’t often talked about.

1st off, I have to agree with @yogiboy -- I get the best sound IMS with true acoustic suspension speakers in my nearfield/desktop system which crosses over to a good sub @70 Hz. Of the 2 sets that rock my world & sound very good at low volumes, one is a vintage unicorn while the other is a current model:

-- ATC SCM12 Pro passive monitors: the ATCs sound essentially the same at low volume as a higher volumes. That same very present, dynamic midrange and good bass are distinctly audible even with very low volume classical music

-- KEF 103.2 passive 2-way: these big vintage speakers sound very good (nuanced, detailed but not at all bright, with real punch in the mid-bass) at any volume. They’re not designed for nearfield but excel in that application. They rock like crazy at higher volumes, but even at low volumes, it’s all there.

PS: Both pairs are low efficiency (~84 dB/1 meter) & sound best with lots of power--so there goes the theory about high efficiency speakers sounding good at low volumes.

here is another +1 for ESS rebuilt Quad ESL 57's; at low volume evening listening levels they bathe you in sound...... (and Townshend super tweeters with 57's open up spatial presentation and a little more of everything)  

So many opinions. Little speakers that sound good at low volume are efficient and that like tubes. Humm sounds like ProAc Tablettes too me

I have the Klipsch Cornwall IVs and they have a full body sound at low levels.  I've owned Harbeth SLH5 and currently own the M40.1.  I also have the Sterling LS3/6 that I like better than the SLH5.  For low level sound, it's hard to beat the Cornwalls.

@smatsui

please describe the differences you hear between harbeth shl5+ and stirling ls3/6 -- and pls let us know what amp, source and music type

and which version/iteration of the super hl5 plus pls

thanks