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Which speakers are higher efficiency?

Hi, I am in the market to buy a high efficiency speakers to match my 300B with given 15W output. When I do some search online, I have 2 speakers in my mind:

Reference 3a Grand Veena Loudspeakers
Efficiency: 90 dB. 1Watt/meter.
Frequency response: 36Hz - 20 kHz (+/-) 3dB.
Up to 100 kHz high frequency extension.
Bass loading: F3@ 36Hz., tuned port,
quasi-second order, -15dB at 20Hz.
Impedance: 5 Ohm (+/-0.5 Ohm).
Power handling: 200 Watts RMS.
Phase: Almost constant at 10 degrees @94dB, wide band.

Focal 1037be
Type: 3-way bass-reflex floor standing speaker
Frequency response (+ or-3dB) 38hz-40hz
Sensitivity (2,83 V/1m) 91dB
Nominal impedance 8 Ohms
Minimum impedance 3,5Ohms
Crossover frequency 350Hz/2000Hz

Just look at the number, Focal 1037be is more efficiency, b/c it gives 91dB v.s. Reference 3a Grand Veena only give 90dB. Is that right? or am I missing something here?
Or can you guys suggest a 4~6k high efficiency speakers for me?
Thanks,
audiorichard
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Phase angle is Key. Too large a phase angle results in a lower power factor.
With some speakers having huge phase angles, you can easily turn a 100 watt amp into 30 or less. Tube amps don't like heavily reactive loads, (capacitive or inductive, don't 'member!)
That is the REAL indicator of 'easy to drive'.
If you can see the impedance and phase angle data that would help, at least from a purely technical viewpoint.
Of course, what will happen is the speaker which sounds better will also have the worst numbers. Don't buy Specs.
gregm
3,409 posts
 
Magfan, what are you telling the guy??? Don't buy specs??? The guy has 15Watts of amplification, the phase angle is hardly his problem:).
And, please believe me, the speaker with the worst specs will not sound best -- not unless the specs are wrong. Regards
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,976 posts
 
None of the loudspeakers listed is a good match. Sure music will be made but amp will alter frequincy responce plus amp will be clipping much of the time. 4-6k You have options for a proper matched loudspeaker. Since I manufacter such loudspeakers but best to let others mention brands.
trelja
3,224 posts
 
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.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
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
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