Does loudness play a part in your appreciation?

This post inspired me to listen with a decibel meter to my desk top and main systems.  I thought that 70dB seemed relatively low, but no.  Mid-70s seemed pretty satisfying--about the level I ususaly listen at.  The experiment also reminded me that very small increment can make all the difference.  78dB sounds very different than 75dB.  Also, I think it is better to start at a relatively low volume and then increase to taste.  Once a certain loudness threshold is crossed it is very hard to back off to a satisfying level, perhaps because your ears have been overstimulated, but that is a non-scientific guess.