I think it is the fact you are used to a 'wall of sound' that a lesser speaker will produce over the more detailed sounds from better speakers. You are used to a bloated lower end and to achieve a similar feeling for the music you turn the volume up. I went from Bose 201's to M22's and experienced this sensation but I didn't need to turn the volume up as much as you have described.

As Chris has mentioned it would be interesting to see on an SPL meter if the speakers are playing the same volume levels att he much different settings.

I think it is the fact you are used to a 'wall of sound' that a lesser speaker will produce over the more detailed sounds from better speakers. You are used to a bloated lower end and to achieve a similar feeling for the music you turn the volume up. I went from Bose 201's to M22's and experienced this sensation but I didn't need to turn the volume up as much as you have described.

As Chris has mentioned it would be interesting to see on an SPL meter if the speakers are playing the same volume levels att he much different settings.

I consider the M80s to produce a “wall of sound” that is also quite detailed. In that they can sound like there is a concert performance right in front of my while simultaneously each instrument and singer is discreetly placed including hearing musician’s fingers sliding along guitar strings.