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Speaker impedance and sensitivity

This is an old topic but I'm curious about the notion of "easy to drive" speakers that are labeled so due to their benign impedance curves. I understand that such speakers will draw relatively less current from the hypothetical amplifier. Does this mean that regardless of sensitivity the speaker will play to its full potential up to a certain point?

Good examples are British monitors that generally have high nominal impedance but often brutal sensitivity ratings. These speakers should be "driven" well at moderate volumes but simply won't play loud unless paired with a really powerful amplifier. Am I thinking about this right? If I am, then audio enthusiasts should consider how loud they listen when choosing an amp and open up a wider range to choose from. Comments please. Thanks.

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Showing 1 response by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,675 posts
 

Sensitivity is not about power, it’s about output assuming a perfect amplifier, and is measured at 2.83 Volts, which could be 1 watt or 8 depending on your speaker.  It is often confused with efficiency, which IS about power and is measured at 1 Watt output.  Assuming the amp is good and speaker moderate the two are reasonably well interchangeable.

Impedance curves are about current vs. frequency. Where the curves are worst is where the amp has to work the hardest, and if the amp wilts under pressure you’ll hear reduced output at some frequencies, usually the bass.

Speaker makers feel no particular pressure to make their products easy to drive, with a few exceptions like Fritz, which is famously easy to drive with any amplifier.

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