Which speakers are higher efficiency?
Drinking from the label is usually a recipe for disappointment. Despite the specs, this isn't a difficult question to answer, as the two speakers being compared here have different characteristics in terms of what they interface with best in terms of an amplifier. Focal speakers in general need a good bit of power to come alive in a top to bottom way, and I don't consider them low (less than 30 wpc) power friendly for the most part. The Reference 3A Grand Veenas can absolutely sing with lower power, it's more a speaker that thrives on quality, as opposed to quantity. This isn't to say one is better than the other, only the individual can answer that for themselves. But, I will say my personal opinion is that the Grand Veenas are one of the most beguiling speakers I've heard in a very long time. |
I don't know the Grand Veena, but used to own Ref 3a deCapo loudspeakers. The deCapos aren't hugely sensitive, but they present a very easy load. The minimalist x-over is said to contribute to this. Bottom line: they work very well with 300Bs (no obvious deviations in FR), but have limitations on dynamics and ultimate spl. If you can live with (and listen within) these limitations, Tvad's original comment is right on. If you can't, Johnk and Gregm offer good advice. Marty |
Gotta say I agree with Johnk and Gregm on this one. You need at least 95dB to make those 300Bs work really well, and I would almost say you need 98 (though it would depend on the impedance curve (and at that level, phase angle may come into play :^) but I'll defer to others on that)). Anything below or with a large impedance range with the low impedances in the bass and you will be risking serious disappointment (especially in the bass). I think the Coincident Total Eclipse are good high efficiency speakers in the 'box speaker' format, but my heart belongs to horns, which can come in all kinds of flavors. I'd think for $4-6k you could do yourself very well, either by buying something used off the 'gon or buying speakers custom-made for you direct from the manufacturer (disclosure: I've never purchased any speakers from any manufacturer who mentions himself on this thread (or is likely to going forward for that matter) but I've seen some of his creations in photos. Other builders are those who deal with BLH (back-loaded horn) designs. You can check Frugal Horn for some DIY designs, though there are some builders who will build a set for you, sometimes ones which are tweaked/improved beyond the original design. You might also dig around the archives here and over at AudioAsylum.com (the High Efficiency Speaker Asylum). There will be lots of ideas in both places. |
