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When does speaker distortion become audible?

I recently got some seas excel speakers and when I fired them up for the first time I thought to myself "wow, there's no distortion".

I find this interesting because I never really thought I was hearing any distortion from my previous speakers but maybe I was, and just didn't pick up on it until now.

Interesting side note, I think my personal speaker taste is moving towards less analytical, super detailed sound to a more musical, tone based preference (I think I'm becoming less tone deaf, lol).
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Showing 2 responses by ptss

ptss
1,959 posts
 
The sensitivity of the speakers is a big factor. That's way
very sensitive horns can sound so natural, dynamic and utterly at ease when playing at levels that have many box, planar and electrostatics demanding huge power reserves (and a fast amp) to handle peaks. Read some reviews of the JBL DD6600 and 6700 and they discuss the feeling of unlimited/unstrained dynamics as a huge factor in enjoyment of all music, form solo flute to all out symphonic. It's the sound of live.
ptss
1,959 posts
 
About 10-20% becomes noticeable to most listeners. But for some rock music it is 20%+. Listeners of small combo or solo jazz and classical can be upset by 5% "noise". I fall into latter group. Pristine quality is very appreciated. AC power conditioning is essential for fussy ears.
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