Sensitivity 86 v 90


I am considering an upgrade from speakers with a sensitivity rating of 90 db, 4 ohms, to larger speakers rated at 86db, 8 ohms nominal.  Same brand, PMC. My tube integrated amp is 80-112 watts triode/ultralinear, and it’s fine for my 90 db speakers.  Although, it is sometimes at around 4 o’clock on the volume control, approaching the max at 6.  I am aware of the “amp power must double for each 3db increase in volume” rule of thumb, but really have no practical experience with this.  I do like having 90 db efficiency, always assumed that meant a less powerful amp would suffice. 

   My question is, would the decreased efficiency be a concern? 

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Showing 2 responses by yogiboy

" but (as I understand it) the gain from the phono preamp can be increased by switching the driver 12AU7 tubes for 12AX7’s, if necessary."

Did the manufacturer of that preamp tell you that? If not you should find out if you can swap to a higher gain tube!

What phono preamp and cartridge are you using? That’s where the problem lies!