Speaker Recommendation Needed
"I am surprised that efficiency is an issue since the amp puts out plenty of power." Having plenty of power is not the problem. Trying to play an inefficient small speaker full range at high volume will result in high distortion in the bass. It's just that the speaker is driven to its maximum output on peak excursions or possibly beyond which could result in damage. Take another look at your previous post. |
Measured sensitivity from Stereophile: Wharfedale Jade 3 - 83.5db KEF LS50 - 84.5db Dynaudio Excite X14 - 83db All of these inefficient small speakers will have the problem discussed in your previous post. You should either make sure to use them with a high pass connection or remove them from your list. Actually, the Zu Audio Soul will likely sound a little bright and forward with your amp. |
Yes, efficiency is a problem due to how the OP wants to play them occasionally. See his previous post. Trying to play a higher volume in his room size with an inefficient small speaker is not advisable unless it has a high pass signal. Without the high pass, a result will be much higher distortion and possibly damage. |
"I am not even sure I need to fill up a large room. I just want to be able to turn it up occasionally so it plays into the kitchen." The further you are away from the speakers, the more you must turn it up for a perceived volume. Also, speaker sensitivity determines power necessary for a certain volume. The highest sensitivity speaker in this post is 99db and the lowest is 84db. For the same volume, the 84db speaker will need 30x more power than the 99db speaker. As I previously stated, bass distortion increases when a speaker is driven to its maximum, and this will likely happen when trying to increase volume over a distance with a low sensitivity speaker. As far as needing to turn up the treble, speaker placement in the room could cause this. Are your current speakers on a stand, table, floor, or in a bookcase? If in a bookcase, pushed back or pulled forward? If not in a bookcase, how close to back and side walls? In a corner? |
Brimel1974, thanks for the info, and I can't see any problem with your speaker placement. It appears that your preference is a sound that is a little bright and forward sounding. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's like the old saying, "not everyone likes chocolate ice cream." Wish I could recommend the magic bullet for you, but all I can do is give you my opinion. Maybe the majority of typical "Stereophile Recommended" speakers are not what you are looking for, I don't know, just thinking out loud. Klipsch is a brand that can be a little bright and forward. Some people love them and others hate them. On that thought, read this review. Ignore that the speaker is not in your price range, just get what it is saying. http://www.stereophile.com/content/zu-audio-soul-supreme-loudspeaker Zu Audio is another brand that seems to be love/hate. And again, IMHO of all the speakers listed in this post, the Zu Audio Soul on your list would be my pick for you to try. They do have a very liberal return policy with only a loss of shipping one way if you return. Should you buy others and not like, then you're selling used at a much greater loss. Something that I definitely recommend is that whatever speaker you choose, make sure the sensitivity specification is at least 88db-90db or above. This will help to avoid the issue talked about in your discussion "Can the KEF LS50 rock?" |
