@audiokinesis I like your answer.
Why are high efficiency speakers preferred for low volume listening?
I am sure that this is a very basic principle, but as I peruse the speaker section I frequently see high efficiency speakers suggested for those who listen at "low levels." And is this another area that actually is "how easy the speaker is to drive (as related to its nominal impedance)" that is more important than the actual sensitivity number?
And for an example of what I am asking with that last sentence, I seem to remember when I was window shopping for speakers, seeing some Harbeth speakers at TMR with a sensitivity rated below 87 (I think they were rated at 86 or 85) but being referred to as "an easy load to drive." So would that mean that the Harbeth speakers would be good for low volume listening?
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High efficiency plus some type of loudness contour is the ticket if you want to listen @ really low SPL's. I've used the loudness contour in a few Quad SS preamps (33/34) and in a few Yamaha SS integrated amps with JBL S99's and Altec VOTTS. At slightly higher SPL's, but still in the mid 70's, an odd TDS Passive Audiophile "mystery box" did the trick though aside from being "passive" it added noticeable gain (1-3 dB).
DeKay |
@audiokinesis wrote:
I'm thinking whether a large air radiation area may also be a co-contributor here, having to move less for a given SPL which also leads to less inertia built-up/less smear, and thereby sharper or cleaner transient "edges"? Maybe what you're saying is essentially the same. |
On Sale! I love a bargain, part of the enjoyment of anything I have is remembering the ’find’, trade, great deal each and every time I see/use a thing, but A bargain price is not the way to make a selection in an audio chain, especially speakers. Determine a short list of what is best/desired for that space, then search for the patience to wait for a bargain for something on that short list. Speakers: if you want to hear them each time you awake or arrive home, walk thru the room, done, but your inquiry indicates that ain’t happening with those KEFs. (substitute ______ for KEF above, any speaker, especially rear ported ones) Cones (no advantageous directivity) and Two rear ports, technically different, are producing a beloved but ungodly mix of primary, secondary, .... sound reflections. Parts are working too hard to attempt what they really cannot do. Designed/tested/measured in a Phone Booth/Foam Room, shipped like a blind sailor hither and thither, where am I?????????? Small space: fit/appearance/performance must come together, it really has nothing to do with volume. If, like me, you want tubes in a small space, the short list needs to be efficient to minimize heat. In any case, I advocate NEVER listening to inefficient speakers, never, make a short list of efficient speakers for each space you are dealing with, avoid the devil. LOW Volume: As a matter of fact, the Fletcher Munson Loudness Compensation equalization should have been the 1st thing mentioned. Our ears are LESS sensitive to low bass and highs AT LOW VOLUMEs, thus ANY speaker, any design, any efficiency will not sound best at low volume in ANY space, unless carefully placed, aimed, adjusted. Frequencies relative to Volume, fletcher Munson Stupidly named ’Loudness’, perhaps ’Low Volume’ would have been smarter, and poorly implemented/understood still.. Controlled Directivity (horns have an advantage over cones). I was writing about the clarity, smooth frequency response when there is a higher percentage of direct primary sound waves (actually received, at the listening position), as opposed to too many secondary .... reflected sound waves. arriving too soon. Horn Tweeters important because high frequencies are the narrowest, but horn mid-range is far more important. Toe-In Alternates, 1 or 2 listeners .................................... Other than that, I’ve been mistaken for someone who has an opinion on the matter.
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@james633 Wrote:
Not all horns are created equal, these horns have great depth of image, when the recording calls for it see here. It's been my experience in audio, that high efficiency and high power handling are two attributes that make for wide dynamic range in speakers. Mike |
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