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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

Showing 2 responses by bomarc

bomarc
501 posts
 
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
501 posts
 
I thought you were just being humble!
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