@immatthewj No, I was more suggesting the idea that if the speaker were 91 dB instead of 86, that the amplifier would be doing far less work. You could get the same sound pressure you do now with 1/4th the power. So your 50 Watts would be much closer to 'unlimited power' and distortion would be lower; therefore more transparent.
Why are high efficiency speakers preferred for low volume listening?
I am sure that this is a very basic principle, but as I peruse the speaker section I frequently see high efficiency speakers suggested for those who listen at "low levels." And is this another area that actually is "how easy the speaker is to drive (as related to its nominal impedance)" that is more important than the actual sensitivity number?
And for an example of what I am asking with that last sentence, I seem to remember when I was window shopping for speakers, seeing some Harbeth speakers at TMR with a sensitivity rated below 87 (I think they were rated at 86 or 85) but being referred to as "an easy load to drive." So would that mean that the Harbeth speakers would be good for low volume listening?
Showing 3 responses by atmasphere
@immatthewj IME its best to have the amplifier loafing for a living. They will produce the best sound they can that way and its always audible- smoother and more detailed (as well as measurably lower distortion, which is why 'smoother and more detailed'). |
@immatthewj Efficiency (sensitivity) is important but so is the impedance and phase angles the amplifier must deal with. All amplifiers make more distortion into lower impedances. This distortion is audible- don't fool yourself. So if you want to get the most out of your amplifier dollar investment, its best served by a speaker of 8 Ohms or more, if high quality sound is your goal. Its a pretty weak argument for 4 Ohms just because some amps can play only 3dB louder (which isn't remarkable to the ear). Its harder to find high powered amps that actually sound like music as opposed to electronics. For that reason higher efficiency is good whether played at a lower volume or not since it can take advantage of lower powered and (hopefully) more musical amps. Its that first Watt of most amps that is usually the most important so if your amp has a good first Watt, you can see that a speaker of higher efficiency will be more able to take advantage of that. FWIW Dept.: My speakers (Classic Audio Loudspeakers) are 98dB, 16 Ohms and flat to 20Hz. They are also some of the most revealing speakers I've heard. |