Dynamics at lower volumes?


Assuming appropriate source material, what technical characteristics of speakers/amps contribute to good dynamics at low to moderate volume levels? Are there are any speaker or amp designs that are thought to generally be inherently better at producing good dynamics at lower volumes?
midranger
For dynamic speakers, low mass materials (like paper) used to construct the cone (while maintaining rigidness) help with micro-dynamics and transients, which are the dynamics that matter at low volumes. This is because of simple physics: low mass = less inertia = driver more responsive to signal provided.

The Triangle Titus speakers in my second system are a great example of speakers reknowned for exceptional sound at lower volumes. Their fairly decent efficiency rating also helps them deliver with a wide variety of amps.

Walsh drivers work differently than conventional dynamic drivers but are capable of delivering similar results when properly amplified (they are lower efficiency in general however so not just any amp will do). Their sound is often described as electrostatic like but with better dynamics.

Damping factor (determined jointly by amp output and speaker input impedances) also play a role in delivering good transients and microdynamics at low volume. Good impedance matching between other interacting component pairs upstream is important also.

Old 78 records are an interesting source in regards to transients and microdynamics. Despite their limited dynamic range and frequency response overall compared to more modern media, their microdynamics and transient response can still make for a pleasantly involving and lively listen at modest volumes when done right. Try it sometime!
Yes, this is mostly how I listen, at lower levels.
I find that if the Source is "clean", and the amplifier,
and pre-amp are neutral, with sensitive speakers, the
"jump factor" is right there.

A term reserved for speakers like the Von Schweikert VR-11.

Because I implement multiple drivers, no single one,
has to work harder than the others, to fill the room.

Rule of loudness:

If it does not sound good at low level, it does not get

any better, increasing the volume.

It is finding the perfect match to optimize the first watt,
into extracting every iota of the Recorded material, to
the speakers.

I could never afford a pair of VR-11's so I tried, in a
rather crude method, to create the same results with
multiple drivers, to cover 12hz.-30hkhz.

Klipsch speakers can sound amazing, if "synergy" exists.

Hearing Is Believing.
Looking at your question from a different angle, investing in an acoustically-isolated, low-noise room will improve perceived low level dynamics.
Double glass panes, double walls, thick carpets / curtains and silent air-conditioning do wonders.
Have fun!
Agreed with the above poster. At 0-dark 30 (REAL late) when the power is quietest and the neighborhood is quiet, you can hear so far into the music it's like new material.
I sometimes rotate my panels to face each other and sit between 'em. Kind of like giant, open air headphones.

How much does SNR of speakers matter? Few speakers turn even 1% of what they are fed into sound. I'd suspect speaker 'noise' is electronics limited.
One bad ground can ruin your whole day.