Which speakers are higher efficiency?


Hi, I am in the market to buy a high efficiency speakers to match my 300B with given 15W output. When I do some search online, I have 2 speakers in my mind:

Reference 3a Grand Veena Loudspeakers
Efficiency: 90 dB. 1Watt/meter.
Frequency response: 36Hz - 20 kHz (+/-) 3dB.
Up to 100 kHz high frequency extension.
Bass loading: F3@ 36Hz., tuned port,
quasi-second order, -15dB at 20Hz.
Impedance: 5 Ohm (+/-0.5 Ohm).
Power handling: 200 Watts RMS.
Phase: Almost constant at 10 degrees @94dB, wide band.

Focal 1037be
Type: 3-way bass-reflex floor standing speaker
Frequency response (+ or-3dB) 38hz-40hz
Sensitivity (2,83 V/1m) 91dB
Nominal impedance 8 Ohms
Minimum impedance 3,5Ohms
Crossover frequency 350Hz/2000Hz

Just look at the number, Focal 1037be is more efficiency, b/c it gives 91dB v.s. Reference 3a Grand Veena only give 90dB. Is that right? or am I missing something here?
Or can you guys suggest a 4~6k high efficiency speakers for me?
Thanks,
audiorichard

Showing 1 response by trelja

Drinking from the label is usually a recipe for disappointment.

Despite the specs, this isn't a difficult question to answer, as the two speakers being compared here have different characteristics in terms of what they interface with best in terms of an amplifier. Focal speakers in general need a good bit of power to come alive in a top to bottom way, and I don't consider them low (less than 30 wpc) power friendly for the most part. The Reference 3A Grand Veenas can absolutely sing with lower power, it's more a speaker that thrives on quality, as opposed to quantity.

This isn't to say one is better than the other, only the individual can answer that for themselves. But, I will say my personal opinion is that the Grand Veenas are one of the most beguiling speakers I've heard in a very long time.