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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?

immatthewj

Showing 1 response by audiokinesis

audiokinesis
2,753 posts
 

At the risk of over-simplifying (and I'm not saying this is the only factor):

A significant contributor to high efficiency is a high motor-strength-to-moving-mass ratio, and it just so happens that a high motor-strength-to-moving-mass ratio is also a contributor to good articulation at low SPLs, making it easier to hear the details without needing to crank the volume up. 

High efficiency in and of itself is not a requirement for good articulation at low SPLs, as electrostats (with their incredibly lightweight diaphragms) tend to excel at delivering the details at low levels despite their typically modest efficiency. 

Duke

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