Low-sensitivity speakers — What's special about them?

timlub1,887 posts02-13-2020 7:59pmWhat it comes down to is... really good mids with any type of top end extension without cone break up is hard to find in true high sensitivity speakers


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I think AER and Voxativ has made some  advances in these issues  vs the earlier labs, attempts in high sens wide band drivers,  Lowther/Fostex. 

basically now its a contest between the best of xover traditional designs , Wilsons and the hih end wide band designs, AER and Voxativ. 

If we list the +'s/-'s of each speaker.
You'll find the xover traditional full range style will end up with more -'s in the tally of  specs/practicality/audiophile happiness.

mrdecibel2,476 posts02-13-2020 8:01pmEvery speaker, to some extent, makes some trade offs, and, at all price points, imo. The thing is, as a listener, we need to determine, what musical parameters of recorded music, are most desirable to each of us. And as explained above, the speaker / amp / room combination, should be matched as close as possible, to work together. Someone above, although appreciating the efficiency of horns, prefers other things. I, on the other hand, prefer horns, and the efficiency, is simply, icing on the cake. Advice : Take you time, and listen to as much gear as you can. Also, go listen to some live, " un-amplified " music, as this will give you an indication, as what to listen for, in audio gear ( speakers, specifically ). My best, and Enjoy ! MrD.


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Great insight, assessment.
Price point/budget constraints.
Going to live musica events, then go back  lsiten to ones speakers,
= Higher sensitivity = near as live as you are going to get. 
I madea  experiement
One channel Seas Thors, with Mundorf Silver Gold caps
Other channel
cheap chinese full range 6 inch. 
The winner, cheap single chinese 1/2 full range (lows/highs rolled off)
Judging midrange only as thats all this cheap chinese 1/2 full range could pull off, Specs claim 91db, about right.
Seas Thors 87db. sounded likea  wet blanket was thrown over them. 
Next minute ripped the brand new Millennium's out the Thors , placed them on Ebay at 60% off my debt of $700 sold in 2 hours. Free shipping.
Never will ever consider low sens drivers for my 1khz-10khz range.
can't, My classical music demands at least 92db. 
For low bass 30hz-800hz, yeah OK midwoofer/Mundorf caps, = doable. 
But I'm expecting the new high tech wide band to take care of the lower fq's. 
Won;'t know til I order a  pair. 

hilde45 OP2,229 posts02-13-2020 5:55pm

I’ve not bought any power yet. Thanks for the replies. I understand the technical trade offs better, now. If one had the bass covered by a subwoofer, it seems there’s no positive, specifiable, aesthetic reason to prefer low sensitivity speakers. I think that captured every remark so far, no?


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Yes EXACTLY

If one has a Scanspeak super woofer (retails at $500-$1500 EACH!!!) then you already have all the bass your dreams could ever dream.
There 100% pure rock solid bass, Done
Now we move on to 800hz-15k hz range
Here is where higher sensitivity speakers shine in all the glory over the muddling lower sensitivity speakers,
This is the range where the battle gets gutsy.
Higher sensitivity wide bansd will out shoot xover designs every time. well lets limit the highs, to say 10k, Although if you ck AER’s web site, they claim
80khz. top end, which we all know the ultimate top end is 15khz, and really there is not much above 10khz.
My tech geek mentioned we want a certain **ambience** to be present in the 12k-15k range, sort of like a sparkle and shimmering on cymbols and other percussion. , Piano’ high notes and such.
But I have no idea on how the new wide band’s voice the 12k=15k range.
The earlier designs had roll offs.
I am waiting to order a pair as i type. the newer wide bands that is,

So back to your point
Exactly, If one has a Scanspeak Super Woofer acting as sub,
There really is not need to use a  xover design traditional speaker for the 1k-10k range.
This range under lower sensivity speakers sound like a  wet blanket has been thrown over the front. 
vs the live soundstage of a newhigh tech wide band.
If you purchase a  wide band and you feel the low bass is a  bit thin, well go ahead and get a  super Scanspeak Woofer for extra bass. 
Bass that will beat out Wilsons' higher end  speakers.

QUESTION: What is the value in low sensitivity speakers? What do they do for your system or listening experience which make them worth the cost and effort to drive them? Has anyone run the gamut from high to low and wound up with low for a reason?

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I sure wish I had UNDERSTOOD 
These Q's way back when
And after grasping this high sensitivity vs low sensitivity issue, 
Made some honest answers to MYSELF IN all honesty. 
Its kind of like Jimi Hendrix's 
*Have you EVER been experienced?
WEll I have*

Most audiophiles do not understand what a  higher sensitity wide band driver is, does/how it works/how it sounds.
Second, they have noo interest to understand, NOR ask any Q's. 

Your Q's  show your ~~puzzle-ment~~ over how folks can continue down the xover/lower sensitivity path to musical reproduction. 
No doubt over the comming decades as new audiophiles enter this hobby, they will be asking more Q's , wider interest in whats avaliable Before they make a  purchase. 
Xover/lower sensitivity designs  sales will take a  hit, Most  labs will not survive the economic downturn.