Turn down the Volume!

Ah….

Would be so great to live in an area where the ambient db level is as low as the 20’s. Lowest we get in in the mid to low 40’s (would have to build a dedicated listening room to get that kind of ambient control where we live). As @sns points out, that can really make a difference in micro detail/dynamics. Had the pleaser of listening to a room systems with that benefit and it’s astonishing how little you need to drive the music. But ultimately depends on how the music is performed and recorded.

ESL's played quietly. Occasionally at 'normal' volume.

100% agree.  Hard for me to compare speakers at shows as they are all turned up to saturation (in my ears). 

a minority opinion here- what would benefit most systems in most listening environments the most, is a good compressor. the compressor would raise the bottom level of the music where it can more easily be heard above the environmental noise floor, so less overall volume is required to feel like one isn't missing the quiet bits. the record [LP and 78] engineers of old knew what they were doing when they had to restrict the dynamic range within about 40-50 db, as most people's total systems [including their listening environment and people within and around that environment] couldn't handle a greater dynamic range. 

If your speakers are good enough, low volumes will still be engaging.  

Over the years I’ve had great success at highly enjoyable low-volume listening with the famed Epi 100 speakers (Epicure)... they sound excellent at any volume... and with almost any amp, for that matter.

Now, I recently got Klipsch Heresy IV - yep, my first ever horn speakers, and the horn high-efficiency aspect has been discussed by other posters - and I am delighted to report that they do project magic into the room even at very low volumes and quiet night time listening.  Of course, they sound super when cranked up too, but a real test of quality speakers is Do They Sound Good At Any Volume, Including Low Volume.