The transformation to lower sensitivity speakers was a result of high demand for more linear speakers that measured well. In general, (down boy!) sensitive speakers can be more dynamic. This is especially true if you are of the single ended, triode crowd. I agree with the comment that approaching a system with either an amp or a speaker in mind can dictate what the other needs to be to perform at its best.
Downside of sensitivity?
I'm new to world of audio, and still puzzling out a number of things. One question in particular that I have concerns speaker senstivity. It seems as though higher sensitivity is a positive, i.e. it allows one to use lower-power amplifiers, sound is more relaxed, generally more flexible with equipment. Yet there seem to be a large number of quality speakers with lowish sensitivity. Given that speaker design seems to be an exercise in compromise (short of the cost-is-no-object level), what qualities does one give up with higher-sensitivity (say, > 91db)? Conversely, what qualities does the speaker designer gain with a less sensitive design(86-87 db)? I've quickly learned that there are no absolutes when it comes to audio equipment, but any thoughts as to the trade-offs in general? Tks.
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I think Sean covered the issue quite well. In my opinion the single biggest downside to high efficiency is that you will need a bigger box to get the same bass extension. If you want the advantages of high efficiency (improved dynamic contrast, for instance) you either have to live with a bigger box, reduced bass extension, a powered bass section (built-in or as a separte subwoofer), or corner speaker placement. Duke |
I'm new to world of audio, and still puzzling out a number of things. One question in particular that I have concerns speaker senstivity. It seems as though higher sensitivity is a positive, i.e. it allows one to use lower-power amplifiers, sound is more relaxed, generally more flexible with equipment. Yet there seem to be a large number of quality speakers with lowish sensitivity. Given that speaker design seems to be an exercise in compromise (short of the cost-is-no-object level), what qualities does one give up with higher-sensitivity (say, > 91db)? Conversely, what qualities does the speaker designer gain with a less sensitive design(86-87 db)? I've quickly learned that there are no absolutes when it comes to audio equipment, but any thoughts as to the trade-offs in general? Tks.john_adams_sunnyvale05-21-2006 1:44p~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2006!!!, Hey John Yep, you got it. Everything you wrote still 15 years !!!! later still remains a ~~puzzle~~~ and will remain a complete mystery for at least another decade to come. These very ,,seemingly,,simply truths about higher sens as superior design, just has not caught on yet, some 15 years after your OP. |
plato1,543 posts05-21-2006 4:49pmThere are many factors that influence the final sound character of speakers, not just sensitivity ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sensitivity is the most important spec to consider and separates the xover design from the wide band design. 2 completely different voicings in the midrange section. Thus overall presentation, = soundstage in each are quite different. |
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