In tube systems is 90db efficency really the low?

I've read that speakers running off tube amps, mono or stereo, should have at least at 90db sensetivity. Is this the consensus, and is so why?

madcrescent06-11-2003 3:48am

mejames Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 986 posts 06-11-2003 at 07:58am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete depends on how many watts your amplifier has? If its 3 watts or similar yes the efficiency of the speaker is a critical factor. But if its like 750 watts or similar it doesn't really matter then
dopogue Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,773 posts 06-11-2003 at 11:35am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete It also depends on the speakers' impedance curves and complexity of their crossover networks. Speakers with benign impedance curves (no dips much below 8 ohms) and simple crossovers can sound great even with low-power amps, even if their sensitivity is in the high 80s. Example: ProAc Response 2 speakers, which I've head sounding fantastic powered by 6 wpc SET amps.
elevick Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,638 posts 06-11-2003 at 03:28pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I use 90 as a bare minimum. Yes, my 17 watt triode amp has run maggies, but was lacking. Simply put, the higher the rating the better if you only have a couple of watts. Keep this in mind: 90db at 1 watt 93db 2watts 96db 4 watts 99db 8 watts 102db 16 watts Every time you double the wattage you will see a 3db increase. To double the volume, you need a 10db increase. So, 92db speakers should require 1/2 the power as 89db speakers. 96 db speakers(lowther) will be twice as loud as 86db speakers(maggies).