Efficient speakers -- What was your journey from A to B to ?

@ditusa I've read about this distinction before, but obviously it didn't take! You can tell this is out of my area! I appreciate the reminders and the links. Thank you!

Thanks to posters for the additional ideas!

@vthokie83 There are some of these, nearby me: 

Heard them?

@wolf_garcia Thanks for weighing in. I always learn from your experience!

@drewportland I'll take a look. Great idea!

@perkadin 
Thanks for your reply. Zu being raucous is what I've heard -- and for some, that works well. I need something which avoids "raucous." I've heard others describe Forte as the sweet spot. Good to get confirmation from you.

@larryi 
Thanks for the Charney Audio and Songer Audio mentions. They're not names I've heard much but I'll research them.

@ditusa Thanks for the JBL link.

@shkong78  I'd like to go to Axpona. Good idea.

@benanders  Good point about design as a primary criterion. I've heard one GR research line array powered by a 245 amp and it was pretty magical (had open baffle bass drivers, too).

@phildebrandt  A local dealer just started carrying Audio Note. I hope to hear them. Zu is really not a likely choice. I am hoping, as you say, to bring out the quality I've invested in amps and sources.

@phusis 

Main goal through it all, apart from other traits of high efficiency: better coherency via a more range uniform speaker-room interaction, and ultimately also less interference from the acoustic environment.

Very well put. That captures what I expect I'm seeking, too. I am hoping NOT to wind up with huge speakers. Your description of your journey is very helpful and gives me a lot to think about and research. Part of my current challenge is timing these trials -- I'm moving my audio from one room into another and the dimensions of the room will factor in. Both rooms are medium-large, I'd say. 

@ozzy62 

Thanks for your comments. Quite the journey! This stood out for me: "I can’t see myself going back to speakers that require an arc welder to drive. Just something about the dynamics of high sensitivity speakers and the way they let the music flow into the room."

@doyle3433 
Appreciate your input! I am very interested in the Volti Razz. A fully formed midrange? Sign me up. @decooney mentioned them to me, too. Thanks for the tip about the Florida Expo!

@markmuse  My listening with the Spatial had the same downside and there was a lack of focus. Maybe it was just that particular setup. I am very curious about the Fyne, for sure. The Caladan is another interesting one, not least because of the silk dome. A gentle touch! Thanks for your comments.

@glennewdick Helpful remarks. Not sure why Fyne qualifies as a "knock off" just because there was some personnel which went from Tannoy to Fyne. The Living Voice really pique my interest. Thanks!

@jtcf  I've heard that QS and Klipsch are a good match -- thanks for affirming that.

@burtlake  Devore was on my list for a while, but after hearing the 0/96 I don't think they're quite my taste. Very expensive, too. But if I could get them in my house for a trial (never gonna happen) I could be sure. I'll let you know what happens and thanks for your comment.

@blisshifi  DIY sounds like an good avenue. Voxativ sounds interesting and I might be able to hear some, locally. Thanks for you input.

@james633 I have 3 subs and miniDSP to dial them in, so your suggestion is very apropos. Thanks.

@blisshifi They are very "cool" speakers and I've liked them when I heard them, but for my tastes and wallet, I've moved away from an early fixation on them. There's a lot out there and everyone has to decide what has value, but for their price -- $15,900 MSRP -- one would have to be comfortable leaving a lot of other options in the dust. That does not add up for me.

Anyone try Blumenhofer?

https://www.blumenhofer-acoustics.com/Products/SerieGenuin/GenuinFS1-3/GenuinFS1-3.php

@trivema The Klipsch I’ve heard have sounded a bit shouty and harsh.

I bet this was due to (a) poor synergy between speaker and amp(s) and likely (b) lack of good room acoustics.

I am hoping my next speaker adventure does not immediately launch me looking for an amp that will make a speaker sound good. Curious how people would react to the assertion, "Klipsch speakers need a more careful pairing than other similar speakers." That would be helpful, possibly, as a data point.

@decooney +1000 on that question!

@ozzy62 Thanks. You're surely right those details matter more with horns. I wonder as @doyle3433 points out whether the Volti is more forgiving/flexible than the Klipsch (modern versions -- good point you made about that, too).

@jonwolfpell Thanks for your experiences. It's helpful to hear how things change.

@deep_333 

One would be surprised how little power the "supposedly inefficient" ear candy speakers actually use at deafness inducing spl levels.

I'm not ignorant of how affordable power is these days, and that it's good power, too. I have driven "supposedly inefficient" speakers to deafness inducing spl levels -- so I know that's possible, too. In other words, these are not new facts to me. What I am getting at -- which others here with efficient speakers also get -- is that there is a sonic experience with the combination of lower power plus higher efficiency which is different than higher/sufficient power + inefficient speakers. It's a nimbleness, a spry litheness -- in dynamics, pacing, but also in the way the tonalities are rendered. Perhaps you've not been able to notice it, yet. Once you do, you'll seek it as I am.