Speakers free of grain, glare and steel?

All that detail, isn't neccesarilly quality. Higher efficiency allows more grunge in too. There are so many variables in loudspeakers, never mind the loudspeaker to room interface, that the idea of "all other things being equal" is purely an academic argument with no grounds (at least for now and into the foreseeable future) in current reality.

"It's been suggested to me that, all other things being equal, more efficient speakers are better speakers -- more micro detail..."

The problem with this is that all other things are not equal.

More efficient speakers may or may not be better and may or may not have more detail. It depends on many factors as I alluded to in the earlier post.

I'd start with assessing the amp and whether or not you are open to changing that also down the road if needed.

What 170w/ch into 8 ohm monoblocks, specifically?

Mapman, proffers a notion worthy of consideration. It's better to get an amp for speakers, than speakers for an amp.

Unsound and Mapman are spot on in their concerns regarding high eff speakers.

I went from a Lowther DX4 (103db) Medallion and all Audio Note Kits tube system (dac, pre,and amp) to a Class A SS integrated system.

The Shelby+Kroll monitors are 87db, but drop off at 100hz, the lower end is picked up by the Woffer monitor.

Due to the nonlinear nature of the Lowther drivers, severe peaks were to be had at the 1000hz - 1200hz range. Try as I did with room treatments, wires, etc... I couldn't tame them and became rather discontented with the whole high eff, single driver, SET approach.

Going from one camp (high eff) to the other has brought about a very rewarding change, and I'm very pleased with what I'm hearing.

I answered this in response to the high eff speakers being better statement. As noted I did recommend the Shelby + Kroll speakers, but I am in no way tying to push them on anyone. I just felt that my own recent experience in such a decision warranted this response.

Rodge

Just to be clear, I have nothing against high efficiency speakers. I just would not go under the notion that this alone determines the results. That depends on a lot of things.

I have no qualms with the performance of less efficient speakers categorically either.

Both require properly matched amplification to shine.

Achieving desired volume levels along with all the rest is quite achievable these days with modern amplifier technologies. Not a problem at all in most peoples homes.

Granted, to fill very large public venues effectively, high efficiency speakers are where its at. But most of us do not live and listen in arenas or even large auditoriums, so it is not an issue.

Efficiency alone means more volume per watt. Nothing more.