low efficiency speaker vs. high efficiency speaker?

Speaker sensitivity is not directly related to sound quality. One advantage of higher sensitivity designs is that they can be match with lower output amplifiers. High quality, high wattage amplifiers are much more expensive than mid to low output amplifiers, whereas a high efficiency speaker is no more or less expensive than a similar quality low effieciency design. Remember, any speaker design involves making trade-offs.

There are two groups of audiophiles I believe on this subject. # 1. is the high efficient spkr. low watt amp guys.#2 are the low efficient spkr. high power guys. They both have good reasons why one is better than the other. I personally like somewhere in between,20-70 watt tube amp and 89-93 db spkr.The more efficient a speaker is,the louder it will play per watt, some believe the high efficient is thin and bright. Some believe the low efficient needs gobs of power to get them to sound good. You will have to come to your conclusion on this. Kind of like tubes vs solid state.

i think the major current emphasis on high effiency is due to the interest in low power set amps. you can experience some beautiful sounds with such. however one of the major potential practical down sides to the use of high effiency speakers is the demand of having a very quiet pre-amp and source - any residual humm or other noise, tube hiss for example, come to mind. i prefer lower effiency and higher power.

No. It means that the 93db speaker will play louder than the 86db at the same volume setting on yr pre (or yr integrated). Officially and usually, the db(a) rating documents the intensity of the sound reproduced @ 1 volt/1/2 kHz signal (unless otherwise specified).

Accordingly, if you have a low output (watt) amp that you love, it will probably drive the 93db (i.e. the sound quality will be according to speakers & amp specs) but not the 86db (i.e., the sound will be anaemic, NOT according to expectations).

So, matters of taste and sound quality remain. And, although "efficient" speakers are easier to drive (i.e. will play some music w/a low power amp) they can take the mikey out of the electronics in no-time. Speakers are often partial to (lots of) current...

Also, different speaker designs sport different efficiency ratings: horn-loaded ones have high db measurements. Boxes vary from OK to dismal and abysmal, and statics often have low-ish efficency. Fortunately the present trend favours efficiency... as equipment is revealing and our ears critical, and who can afford a 250W fully linear, hi-speed, pure class A or whatever, razor-edge precise on harmonics amp to drive 79db beauties.

Hence the practical advantage of the 93db. There's more, either way, I'll let the cognoscenti elaborate.

BUT I have found that, efficent or not, speakers require quality and horsepower anyway... i.e. current or voltage (i.e. amp power supply). Which kind of nullifies the efficency effect...

Cheers!