Sensitivity in speakers


Just my luck I took woodshop instead of electrical engineering. Maybe if I undestood the difference between a volt vs. a watt, I might know how to pick my next speakers.

Here's the problem - as much as I like cranking it when the missus isn't around (perhaps I should reword that?), I want speakers that I don't have to blast to get a full bodied sound. Upgraditis has lead me to Manley Neoclassic 250's driven by a Manley Steelhead with a Sota Cosmos/Shelter901 and Wavelength DAC as sources (the sources courtesy of Jay Kaufman at Audio Revolutions - a truly great guy to work with). All of this runs into Von Schweikert VR-2's. A nice speaker from my POV but not quite up to the rest of the system.

Recommendations please - what speakers would fit into this system that would sound great at all volume levels? Of course like many of us I want soaring extended highs, warm, life-like mids' and bass from the bowels of the earth.

I don't have unlimited resources but I'd rather measure the distance between me and great speakers in time rather than current cashflow.

Sugestions?
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xjohn_leslie
all i can say is i use aa pair of totem arro with totem sub for my office system, my office is reasonably sized, and i just love the imaging they give me with acoustic music. i think alot of your desire, mine and many others, is dependent on the kind of music you want to listen to. i find that relatively simple music, without the old wall of sound or big symphony/orchestra music, can produce the sound you want with good 2-ways and a good musical amp.
Coincident Super Eclipse would smoke with the Neo's. Don't just look at sensitivity, take impedance load into consideration as well. look at coincident & atmasphere websites for great insite into this subject.
If you can do woodwork why not DIY your own system? Many plans available most Hieff designs play great at low and high levels.I build many loudspeakers maybe its time for you to try something yourself?
I second JohnK's suggestion to put your woodshop skills to good use. You might look at PiSpeakers.com. Go with JBL drivers and you'll have speakers that sound great at a very wide variety of listening levels, including very low levels.

Electrostats tend to excel at very low volume levels (I've owned electrostats for about ten years now, and have sold them for about six). Your Manleys should have no trouble driving a pair of 'stats.

By the way, Jay Kaufman is definitely one of the good guys. Glad you found him.

Best of luck to you,

Duke