Proac One SC - Do thet perform well at low volume?

Note that if a speaker sounds great at low volume (although this is relative…begging the question, "what do you consider low volume?") it likely has a frequency response tilted toward exaggerated highs and lows, and may not sound so good at "regular" volume. An unavoidable part of the physics of sound reproduction. Think of a graphic response curve looking like a smile (JBLs from the 70s) and you can get why some preamp circuits contain a "loudness" compensation eq for exactly that sort of thing. My recommendation for low volume listening is to sit closer to the speakers.

Thanks Wolf - Consider that "proximity to the speakers" theory under consideration.

Usually when speakers are on the lifeless side at lower volumes I tend to find them dull sounding even at higher volumes, and so typically it’s a give-away. The ability to "ignite" sonically at lower volumes (in retrieving detail resolution) is one of the core traits I’m looking for with speakers, and it’s not related to any "smiley" loudness effect - almost on the contrary; I would find it’s attributable mostly to the frequency spectrum from the upper bass to the lower tweeter region without a reverse "smiley"-effect, but rather one of presence and energy. When paired with this is the ability to maintain tonality up through very high SPL’s, then we’re talking something very special indeed.

So I guess my advice would be to actually pay close attention to any speaker’s abilities at lower volumes, and where positive see them as possible traits in the greater scheme of things (i.e.: at higher volumes as well).