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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 2 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,739 posts
 

Easy to drive speakers avoid low impedance and phase shifts at all frequencies and require an amp work less hard in general be it at low or higher volumes. So that is advantageous. They will also tend to sound more similar with various amps.

 

Whereas high efficiency speakers simply produce higher spl overall per watt. The advantage there is mainly going louder with a less beefy amp. Beyond that any thing else is possible including a frequency response that sounds better at low volumes…or not  

 

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,739 posts
 

Perhaps a frequency bump in the 4-6 kHz range that adds “edge” to the sound and attracts attention at lower volumes.

Same can be easily accomplished with other good quality less efficient speakers like say Sonus Faber, KEF or even Ohm using DSP or equivalent parametric eq.

I’m listening to a pair of SF Concerto Domus at low volume that way using Roon DSP as I type. Might be fooled into thinking they were high efficiency horns with eyes closed.

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