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speaker sensitivity vs. speaker size

I would like to draw on all of you for your experience on this matter.

Here is my question:

If I have two pairs of speakers, one being a pair of monitors (bookshelf size) and a pair of floor standers (both from the same company, in this case) and they both have the same sensitivity rating (actually, in this case, the bookshelf is rated at 85db/w/m and the floorstander is rated at 86db/w/m), would they both be equally easy/ difficult amplifier loads (if the identical amp was used on either pair)? (sorry about the run-on sentence)

The larger speaker has a metal tweeter, a 6.5 inch midrange and an 8 inch bass driver. The smaller has the same, minus the 8 inch driver.

It is my inclination to think that, despite the ratings, the larger would be the more difficult load as it has more drivers to control).

I am calling on you guys to help with clarification on this matter.

thanks in advance
loose

Showing 1 response by elevick

elevick
2,638 posts
 
This may help:
a gain in 3db of sensitivity will = double the wattage
a gain in 10db = double the perceived volume
Therefor, 100 watts on 86db speakers will be no louder than a 20 watt amp driving 94db speakers. That's why a lot of SET tube amps are only 5-10 watts.

The other thing to know is that most speakers are rated at a "nominal" rating for impedance and efficiency. Some will change a lot when driven really hard in the bass region. Therefor, a tiny speaker may be harder to drive since you are trying to get lots of bass out of a 5 or 6 in woofer vs a 10 or 12 inch woofer that is working less hard.
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