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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 1 response by vthokie83

vthokie83
659 posts
 

OP,

Thank you for the question, I have had the same thoughts. I have four speakers:

(1) Thiel CS 2.3 - 87 db at 4 ohms

(2) Old school 1980s Infinity Reference Kappa 7s - 88 db at 4 or 6 ohms (don't understand the two values there)

(3) Buchardt Audio S400 MKIIs - 87 db at 4 ohms

(4) Clayton Shaw Caladans (on order) - 93 db at 4 ohms

I've never really understood the relationship between sensitivity and impedance, and how that translates into "easy or difficult to drive". Furthermore, how does that translate into the proper speaker cable: length, type of material, cable gauge, etc. It's never been an issue for me (that I've noticed), as I never listen to music at LOUD volumes....though I'm sure there is more that I should be paying attention to.

Also, why have I been drawn to the sound (except for the Caladans which I have never listened to in person) of 4 ohm speakers? Is it chance, or something more to it than that? It would seem on the surface, that I've ended up with speakers that are not the easiest to drive

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