Hi efficient speaker, bass problems

I am not sure what you're asking. Your title says hi efficient but your post mentions low efficient speakers not having a grip on the bass.

My experience tells me that bass control is a function of the amp, and preamp to an extent. I use very hi-eff speakers and get very good control, definition, and impact from a mix of PP and SS amps.

As to your question, I will assume you meant that you don't hear bass control from hi-eff speakers. I posit that most of what you're hearing is probably due to the speakers being driven by SET or some other underpowered amp. Just a guess.

My position is that many speakers have bass problems regardless of design or rating.

I have a pair of Aerial 10ts that are about 6 dB down at 21 Hz, and are rated at 87 dB. They do the fast, punchy bass.

I also have pairs of mid-bass and bass horns that barely get to the upper 20s, and are probably around 105 dB. They do faster, punchier bass. What the horns also do that the Aerials cannot is pressurize the air, and IMO this renders a more believable bass sound. And the horns do it at 85 dB volume. They could be EQ'd lower, but that would only increase distortion.

Wes, absolutely! :-)

The Aerials use a 10" woofer, and that damn port. The midbass has a 15" driver and the bass uses an 18" driver.

I understand that field coil works the best down on the low side. Some say it is the best bass possible. I haven't been fortunate to hear this yet, but I've heard that it is fast, dynamic, and detailed. And way above my paycheck. :-)

Yeah, who gives a crap about big power when your pulling yourself out of the back wall with 1 watt. ;-) Seriously, I do prefer more power on the low end, 10-20+ on the mid bass and the big honkers are feed with a 500 watt QVC pro amp. I believe in headroom.

Actually, John does have a point. 98dB is what I think of as hi-eff territory.

My question for you guys is what is having the most affect on our perception? More even pressure front? Or simply better stereo effect?

I have experienced the localization Wes is talking about and at frequencies below 80 Hz, which is where some claim our ability to localize is severely diminished. Adding an additional sub has rectified this issue for many and adding second bass horn did the same for me. And I find both don't need to be driven as hard as a single.