2. tech-talk
  3. 1392687734

High-efficiency speakers and high-power amps?

I've been wondering what's up with single-driver, high-efficiency speakers, but my current rig is quite the opposite: low-efficiency speakers with high-power amps. Is there any reason why I couldn't -- or shouldn't -- try out a pair of high-efficiency, single-driver speakers, without buying a new amp, just to see what I think? If I were to plug in a pair of, say, Omegas or Zu speakers, would I get a sense of what all the fuss is about by simply keeping the volume turned down low, or would I be missing something unless I were running little 6.7-watt tube amps, or some such?

Thanks.

-- Howard
hodu
hodu OP
316 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful responses. I asked mostly out of curiosity, not because I'm terribly unhappy with something in my current setup. I guess the best way to proceed would be simply to find a high-efficiency, single-driver system I can listen to.

-- Howard
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,322 posts
 
Single driver speakers are a unique breed with a unique coherence to the sound hard to replicate with multiple drivers, crossovers and the lot. Definitely fertile ground to experiment in with promise of some unique pleasures.

Cain and Cain (no longer in business?) is the line that has always caught my eye and seemed to offer a lot of value, but there are many others out there as well. I've always thought the Abbys to be a most unique looking package, and would own a pair just for that though I'm certain the sound would be an extra bonus. :^)

Good luck!
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
Hey Map, if you ever end up in my neighborhood, you're welcome to stop by and listen to my Abbys.
More to discover