speaker sensitivity vs. speaker size


I would like to draw on all of you for your experience on this matter.

Here is my question:

If I have two pairs of speakers, one being a pair of monitors (bookshelf size) and a pair of floor standers (both from the same company, in this case) and they both have the same sensitivity rating (actually, in this case, the bookshelf is rated at 85db/w/m and the floorstander is rated at 86db/w/m), would they both be equally easy/ difficult amplifier loads (if the identical amp was used on either pair)? (sorry about the run-on sentence)

The larger speaker has a metal tweeter, a 6.5 inch midrange and an 8 inch bass driver. The smaller has the same, minus the 8 inch driver.

It is my inclination to think that, despite the ratings, the larger would be the more difficult load as it has more drivers to control).

I am calling on you guys to help with clarification on this matter.

thanks in advance
loose
Depends totally on the impedence curve of the speakers. Usually the lower the impedence curve dips the more difficult the load. If you have a high current amp it won't make any difference.
Newbee (despite his name) is pretty much on target here. (Though I don't put much stock in the phrase "high current amp." As used by amp manufacturers/marketers, it can mean almost anything.)

The number of drivers is not the important factor here. Sensitivity is a measure of how loud a speaker can play with a certain amount of juice flowing through it. Based on the numbers you give, the floorstander will actually play a bit louder. (This assumes that both manufacturers tested their product's sensitivity the same way, which you cannot be sure of. That's why comparing specs is futile.)
Bomarc,

Mocking my moniker eh. Ah, whats in a name. A rose would smell the same (Forgive me Shakespeare for I haven't got a clue). Maybe I should just change it to Middlebee or Oldbee, but then it wouldn't bee as much fun. This way I get to catch some people asleep some times.