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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 elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,197 posts
 

Try Tube Amp(s) now or some day?

That is why I recommend starting/auditioning higher sensitivity speakers, hopefully finding one you really want.

Also, avoid speakers whose impedance drops a lot from it's 'nominal' impedance rating, that will effect/limit the amps to ones that can properly handle low impedance.

Lower power needs lets you select amps/tube amp(s) that are smaller, less heat, more placement options, as well as being in a more competitive price category.

My friend is currently looking for a pair of 100 wpc tube mono blocks. Very limited, big, heavy, hot, big price

elliottbnewcombjr
5,197 posts
 

 

immatthewj OP

Those ARC's 110 wpc had to big, big, big (price, size, heat). How'd they sound?

 

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