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Speaker impedance and sensitivity

This is an old topic but I'm curious about the notion of "easy to drive" speakers that are labeled so due to their benign impedance curves. I understand that such speakers will draw relatively less current from the hypothetical amplifier. Does this mean that regardless of sensitivity the speaker will play to its full potential up to a certain point?

Good examples are British monitors that generally have high nominal impedance but often brutal sensitivity ratings. These speakers should be "driven" well at moderate volumes but simply won't play loud unless paired with a really powerful amplifier. Am I thinking about this right? If I am, then audio enthusiasts should consider how loud they listen when choosing an amp and open up a wider range to choose from. Comments please. Thanks.

128x128voodoochillin
bluorion
434 posts
 

Hi---I had the same question a couple of weeks ago. Here's the link to my post with some excellent explanations. I hope this helps.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/sensitivity-question-2

Post removed 
totem395
390 posts
 

Another consideration not always followed from manufactures is

phase angle relative to impedance and its effects, interesting to say the least

within the impedance, sensitivity, and amplifier selection topic.

 

johnk's avatar
johnk
1,973 posts
 

British monitors are designed for low-level nearfield listening and have an altered bass response. They do not play loud and if fed lots of power quickly generate thermal compression. They are a relic of audios past and are not that useful today. Though Im sure someone will say these wee little things are the bee's knees so YMMV.

erik_squires
15,675 posts
 

Sensitivity is not about power, it’s about output assuming a perfect amplifier, and is measured at 2.83 Volts, which could be 1 watt or 8 depending on your speaker.  It is often confused with efficiency, which IS about power and is measured at 1 Watt output.  Assuming the amp is good and speaker moderate the two are reasonably well interchangeable.

Impedance curves are about current vs. frequency. Where the curves are worst is where the amp has to work the hardest, and if the amp wilts under pressure you’ll hear reduced output at some frequencies, usually the bass.

Speaker makers feel no particular pressure to make their products easy to drive, with a few exceptions like Fritz, which is famously easy to drive with any amplifier.

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