Best speaker design for low to mid volume?

Planars like Magnepan are fantastic at low volume. full range electrostatic speakers like the Quads also.

Box/dynamic designs that use rigid low mass materials (like paper) for woofer cones can be similarly very good also. Triangle is the line that comes to mind as an example.

I find the newer OHM Walsh speakers I also use can also be similarly quite good in a different way at low volume with the right amp and electronics in front of them, and these can also go as loud as needed with no signs of stress or dynamic compression as well with proper amplification, which is a big reason I prefer these over most planars or electrostats in the same price range.

Well there you, every answer is correct and no one agrees. There is no answer as far as one design being better at low volume. You'd probably be better off asking for the brand. I've built alot....alot of speakers. Generally if you can find a speaker that has a slight rise in the frequency curve in the lower region, then stays accurate through out the rest of the frequency range, you will have a speaker that sounds nice at low volumes.

Tim - too true!!! ;) although you and i did agree in our opening statements...many ways in speaker design to get there!

That said, i also would 2nd nvp's statements about subwoofer for low volume playing. I run Wilson X1/Grand Slamms...and like every single Grand Slamm or Alexandria owner i know...i run a big subwoofer in parallel...when i play at literally volume 1 on my system...the sub makes a big [positive] difference. you heard a very, very satsifying but level, controlled 'thump' even at these soft levels that means you feel like you've lost nothing at all when playing in the early am and dont wish to wake up the house.
one man's experience.

Controlled dispersion designs sound better at low levels since they do not flood the listening space and direct SPL at listener thus better sound at lower levels.

Quad ESLs. I have the 988, and it's magical at low volume (and restricted low frequency extension is actually a blessing in a condo). Not exactly pretty, tho, if WAF is an issue. The Audio Physic Virgos I once owned were good at low volumes, and beautiful in maple. A bargain used if you can find them in good condition.