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Speaker Efficiency Question?

My system consists of Quad 988 electrostatics, powered by
Thor Audio TPA-150 tubed monblocks, TA-2000 Thor tubed
preamp, and I am currently looking for a speaker priced no more than $15,000 per pair. The quesiton is about speaker efficiency. When I was looking at the Tyler Acoustic Woodmere as well as the Reimer Grand Teton GS, the efficiencies were 93-94, but both speakers are 4 ohms.
I was told that if a speaker is of the 4 ohm variety that you have to reduce the efficiency rating by 5 dbs. Therefore a 93db and a 94db speaker which looks like it is very efficient is really 88 and 89 db respectively. Is this reasoning correct? I currently own the Quad 988 which
are 88 db efficient and I want to improve upon that number.
Am I on the right track with this 4 ohm vs. 8 ohm theory that a 4 ohm speaker if db ratings are equlavalent are not nearly as efficient?
kjl

Showing 1 response by beavis

beavis
272 posts
 
I think the correct figure is about 3dB. You will get about 90dB/w/m with the Tyler Acoustic speakers. Subtract about 2-3dB per meter after that. At 6'-8', you will get approx. 88dB/w/m. I wouldn't think "effiiciency" is too much of a consideration unless you like to listen really loud.

However, don't forget unless speakers under consideration have a relatively flat impedance plot, your Thor amp (which is tubed) may not be able to drive well at less than 4 ohms.

See http://www.welbornelabs.com/recomendspeaks.htm & scroll down about 2/3 for a good article on proper speaker selection with a tube amp.
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