The Best Sounding Systems can Play Loudly with Low Distortion

@ghdprentice Being fully satisfying at low levels is a much harder feat and is the mark of a truly great system. 

Well stated. I have never even striped to fin how loud my system will go, but I am confident it would be clean and clear all the way. The room would overload quickly though.

My system is capable of playing loudly, but my ears don't care for it.  Back in the day, I played music rather loudly, but not anymore.  When others want to hear my system, they often want me turn it up beyond what I prefer.  

I would add good source recordings, a large room, high ceilings (also help) to that statement, then, you can play loud all night without fatigue.   Drinking also helps, lol..  However, there is still no guarantee that your ears will not be ringing in the morning. 

I can play well beyond what my ears are comfortable with and hear no discernible distortion.  Like others I much prefer listening at lower levels, particularly in the late evening when I don’t want to disturb the neighbors, and find that it still sounds outstanding at least to my ears.  Even at low levels, 50-65 db, I get a wide and deep soundstage and proper imaging.  Granted my room is small so it’s easier to do that in a somewhat near field listening environment.

IM with the responses much more impressive is almost silent yet still dynamic.  I actually sit there and grin a low volume late at night listening in the sweet spot and go wow!  That's much more difficult to do then loud without distortion.  I can rattle my floors and windows but that's just in your face whereas low light low volume listening can make the hair on your arms stand up.