Speaker Effeciency and Bass Production


How much speaker efficiency is gained if the bottom two octaves or so don't need to be produced? I'm considering trying an SET or OTL amp but am wondering about the ability of these amp types to drive my speakers (Opera Quinta; 89db efficiency and 6 ohm nominal impedance; 6-8 ohms from 100Hz up). I am using a pair of corner placed subwoofers which can easily produce the lower 2-3 octaves. So the question is if the amps driving the main speakers don't have to produce anything below 100Hz or so, then is the ability to use them on my main speakers more doable? The room is fairly large, but I sit only around 10 feet from them.
smeyers

Showing 2 responses by onhwy61

Much will depend on the volume level you desire. For instance, the setup Myrtle described will only produce a max 93 dB at the listening position; Bob R.'s setup can do 94 dB. Use this SPL Chart to determine what would be an appropriate level for you. As a minimum you need a +10dB capacity above average levels for dynamic peaks.
The answer to your original question is NO. Adding a subwoofer won't change the speakers sensitivity. Removing low bass frequencies will lessen amplifier clipping (on most types of music), but it won't effect the maximum volume level attainable by the amp/speaker combo. So the system could sound cleaner, less distortion, but it won't go any louder.

Calculating max SPLs is fairly simple. Matching a speaker's impedance to an appropriate amp is more complicated. You need to be more specific about the amps you're considering to get more detailed and better replies.