Speaker Efficiency


   I have been listening to my Decware 300b tube amp for a few months now. At 8 watts, I have them paired with Klipsch Forte IV at 99db efficiency, and this set up has been sounding great. This morning I connected a pair of Sonus Faber Electa Amator speakers, 6ohms at 88db of efficiency. They sound fantastic, with more weight  and depth. I understand there is a huge price difference in the two speakers, but aside from that, if I am getting 80db of volume at my chair, 8' away, what is the draw back of using lower efficiency speakers with SET amps, so long as the volume is sufficient? I did notice turn the Pre amp, the tube amp and the Roon volume towards the highest setting, it starts sounding terrible....

 

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Showing 1 response by knotscott

Obviously all parts of the system chain make a difference, but few make more difference than the speakers. Especially how they interact with the room and present a soundstage.

If you love the sound of the Electa Amator speakers, I’d look to get bigger tube amp. Even if it’s PP vs SET, there are some great sounding PP examples that would drive the Amator to the desired sound level.

On a side note - Not sure if you're running a sub, but a well setup pair of smallish active subs could be a nice pairing with your speakers/system.