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Best speaker design for low to mid volume?

I'm not asking brand etc. I have a condo that had a listening area (approx 20 ft X 15 ft). I'm looking at floor standers. Generally, should I look for few drivers or more the better? Some speakers are 2 way, 2.5 way, 3 way etc). I listen to everything from classic rock to jazz and classical. This is a 2 channel system. Some tv/movies will be played through speakers as well. I like full bass (not so much the very tight bass sound and too crisp sound I find with Klipsch). Please chime in...sitting area approx 7 to 10 feet in front of system. I'm not looking for bookshelf speakers (WAF).
aberyclark
timlub
2,044 posts
 
Hi Aberyclark,
It is not cast in stone, but generally multiple drivers give you higher sensitivity. There are many designs that don't need multiple drivers to give that sensitivity. Sensitivity on its own does not improve the sound of a speaker at low volume, it just means that you don't need much power to drive it. On the other hand. I do believe that sensitivity almost always improves dynamics. This is in general, there are lowerer sensitive speakers that with the right power can be very dynamic. Its just most high sensitivity speakers are dynamic.
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
837 posts
 
03-23-12: Timlub
"It is not cast in stone, but generally multiple drivers give you higher sensitivity."

Is that true? When I think of Hi Sensitivity speakers I think of only 1 or 2 drivers. When I see multi drivers I think power sucking, sensitivity lowering crossovers.
jeffjazz
114 posts
 
Similar size room as yours and also in a condo.
My Eminent Technology LFT8 speakers sound great and balanced at low volumes. One of the things I like best about them. would think other planar speakers would be similiar . Bass is excellent on these speakers and is not lightweight. Though they do need some power I am using a Pass x150.
aberyclark OP
1,410 posts
 
It seems many european manufacturers mentioned have quite a selection of very efficient and low volume friendly speakers. I wonder if it is due to the generally "smaller" living spaces that is so common in Europe?
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