Fear of volume control

 Really has a lot to do with a lot of things. Using dac as volume control, may be losing bits, volume pots have sweet spots, I'd say every active component within our systems have sweet spots. Still, I'd say its current supplied to loudspeaker and listening room that are main determinates. Higher current delivery to loudspeakers really wakes them up, louder volumes can energize room in pleasing manner. No doubt more efficient hearing at louder volumes. The quality of recording also has great bearing on energizing room, the quality recording has larger sound stage, more dimensional imaging, greater dynamics. Louder volumes only serve to further emphasize these qualities. You know you have a good system when you can play loud and not suffer any costs, other than damaging hearing and pissing off neighbors.

I find with very quiet preamps the sound is good at low levels too. That is you can hear everything, just quieter. I do a lot of late night listening and low volume listening is something I tried to make work. Not so much now with a great pair of headphones.

There is a right volume level for every recording and when you achieve that volume you will have a magic balance for sure. Another consideration is that there is also a right volume for every room in addition to this and usually they work together pretty well.

find with very quiet preamps the sound is good at low levels too. That is you can hear everything

I agree with you on this, I used to have to listen loud until I got a really good preamp.

@invalid what preamp do you have?