How to get the system sounding live?

When I think of "live" sound, I think of sound that's a bit forward through the midrange. More laid-back sounds less "live" to me although I wouldn't say it's a bad thing.

As far as having better sound at lower levels goes, this may be because the sound is more dynamically compressed, which brings the volume of the loudest and softest sounds closer together. This would actually be the opposite of how "live" uncompressed music would sound. You'd lose the contrast between loud and soft sounds so that when you turned the volume up to realistic "live" levels everything would sound relatively loud, which is not how it should be.

The more dynamic and uncompressed the sound is, the lower the apparent average level will be. Conversely, the more compressed and least dynamic sound seems to have a louder average level.

Compressed sound is very definitely more laid back... For example, most Home Theater receivers offer a dynamic range control circuit to compress the sound for late night listening. This is so the loud sounds like explosions and such are reduced in level and the soft sounds are made comparitively louder... so as not to knock you off the sofa or disturb the rest of the family. This also helps raise the intelligibility of low-level dialogue when listening at lower levels.

That's a great description, Plato. I would have not been able to articulate it that well, but I'd have to agree that the idea of separation and (natural) contrast comes strongly into play for me. Nothing will ruin the illusion quicker than congestion and compression. I don't know that I would have ascribed the quality of a more forward or laid back sound to contributing to "live" sounding speakers, but I've always preferred a more forward sounding presentation. My friend used to have a pair of Harbeth's which I found to be one of the most laid back speakers I've heard. Though the sound was wonderful - liquid smooth with extension at both ends and plenty of separation with good soundstaging - I found that they were easy for me to get up and walk away from (one of my criteria for assessing how well I like a system). I think this is just a personal preference though - I just like something that reaches out and pulls me in like a siren singing from the rocks.

That is a very sad comment on where the world has come that home entertainment components are being designed so that you can enjoy explosions while the rest of your family sleep peacefully.

Jax2, it sounds like your listening preferences are akin to my own. I likewise prefer a more forward, dynamic, and uncongested presentation. There's nothing more spellbinding than a sweet siren singing... Being lured into the rocks is somewhat of a downside, but nothing compared to the risk of being a golf pro these days. :)

BTW, when I used the word "explosions," it was only to illustrate a point that others might relate to. It seemed to fit better than saying "very loud sounds." But your point is well taken. There's just so much gratuitous violence in movies these days... I view it as a kind of filler so that the poor screen writers don't have to think too hard about writing a story that could possibly stand on its own merits.

Sorry to stray off topic.