The Best Sounding Systems can Play Loudly with Low Distortion

@douglas_schroeder 

Best response yet. Thanks. Yes, in hindsight, I could have phrased my assertion better, but was attempting to keep it succinct. 

My Carver and AR9's sound great at high or low volume

"Best for whom?" is always my question.  I actually think playing speakers loudly, when that's NOT how you listen to music is a terrible idea.

That's like needing a family van and racing it across the Mexican desert.  

Test/listen to speakers like you live. 

Leave the PA testing to live music performances. 

@helomech 

Who said anything about before 85db?  And if you look at my system, you’ll notice that there’s no way my amps are struggling or my speakers lack dynamic range.

You have totally lost me!

I would argue that if your ears give out before reaching 85dB averages at your listening position, you’ve either suffered significant hearing damage already, or you’re actually hearing your system struggling, either because the speakers lack dynamic range and/or the amplifier lacks headroom. 

@curiousjim 

I suppose you completely lost me with your ill-fitting Tootsie Pop commercial analogy. If your ears give out well before your system does, there’s a good chance it’s a high performance system (presuming you previously experienced true high performance for reference). And no, looking at your system components tells me little, considering there is plenty of absurdly overpriced audio jewelry out there these days. Forgive me, but I’m one of those whackos who still respects science and objectivity. Your system might very well be great, but it’s not necessarily great because of its heft or price tag.