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Basic question about sensitivity

Obviously I am mistaken, and I am positive that this has been covered before,  but I had thought that the higher the number (sensitivity) the easier the speaker was to drive.  However, when I read a thread in which someone is talking about a speaker they have or are interested in, I frequently do a cursory search and a little bit of reading about it, and, for example, a while ago I read a review & specs on the Monitor Audio Gold 300 5G with a sensitivity rating of either 90 or 91 (which I would have thought at one time meant it was a pretty easy load to drive) but the recommended amp was 100 to 250 wpc.

On the other hand, I just did a search and some reading on the Harbeth P3ESR XD which has a sensitivity rating of 83 (which at one time I would have thought meant it was a tough load to drive) but they are recommending amps "from 15 wpc".

What is the number listed for a speakers sensitivity actually meaning?

 

immatthewj

Showing 2 responses by czarivey

czarivey
5,705 posts
 

on highly sensitive speakers, you can blow on your glowing tubes and hear wind from speakers, but on the good side all you need is quarter watt. 

czarivey
5,705 posts
 

Given that my 805s are going on 30 yeras old, and taking in account for inflation and technology, how far do you think I'd need to go to make a significant upgrade?

Any significant upgrade with modern speaker can turn out a downgrade so take that into consideration. It was the best monitor they've ever produced. They're easy to drive with tube amps, because of their stable impedance. 

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