The most efficient speakers that I am aware of are the Avantgarde Trios at 107db

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What is the highest sensitivity speaker you know of? In terms of percentage, how efficient is that speaker? Is there a calculator for efficiency into sensitivity or vice versa?

Hi Jan

There isnt a simple calculation for efficiency -- that is a test that occurs when the whole speaker system has been designed and built... efficiency is a test.

Efficiency is a function of dB out ... against Power in

It used to be nominal
2.83V into 8 Ohm (1 watt)
1 meter
1 Khz

The most efficient I have personally come across are Tannoy CPA12 at 112dB per watt at 1 meter

There are University papers devoted to the subject of efficincy testing and there are DIN and other standards around the world.

I clearly recall, about fifteen years ago, seeing a pair of TAD studio monitors spec'd at 110 dB (1W-1M). What's the point of that? Ten watts and you'd be in pain! I know, I know, great for two watt single-ended triodes, but I don't think they used those in recording studios.

Wow! These are some seriously efficient speakers so far! I can't beat any of the above numbers, but I will say that the most efficient speakers with which I have experience are the Paradigm Monitor 11's, at 97 dB/W/m in-room. 8-ohm nominal impedance, too. The only easier load is a bowl of All-Bran! (Sorry, I had to do it )

www.slsloudspeakers.com

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www.slsloudspeakers.com

Pretty tame with sensitivities under 100 dB/1 watt/1 meter.

I used to have a pair of Klipsch LaScalas that had a 104db rating. Powered them with a Golden Tube 40w amp. They sounded great! They would go to unbelievable levels with that 40 watt amp.

"efficiency" should probably be considered the total amount of work a speaker does with a given input.
Sensitivity measurements rarely communicate the whole picture regarding efficiency.

For example, a given speaker might be able to reach 104db/w/m, but it may not have the nearly the bandwidth and linearity of a speaker that can only reach 90db/w/m.
It could therefore be considered to be very sensitive to input voltage, but not particularly efficient in terms of accurate audio reproduction.

Really big speakers like the JBL K2 have accurate broadband response AND are very sensitive to input voltage.

ALE Acoustic, A full ALE front horn loudspeaker with bass horn arround 110db. With powered bass arround 119db.Other compression drivers can go near as hi but bass can not unless its compression based front horn or you would need to biamp so bass can match.And as far as I know 110db 1 watt is arround the limit for bass horns, most all other extreme hi-eff loudspeakers use powered bass to match mid and trebile horns.If your looking for hi-eff ribbons fountek neo pro 5i 102db not bad at all.Some full range driver back loaded horns are over 100db.Even 96db cone and dome dynamic systems can be built.

Quote:
"efficiency" should probably be considered the total amount of work a speaker does with a given input.
Sensitivity measurements rarely communicate the whole picture regarding efficiency.

For example, a given speaker might be able to reach 104db/w/m, but it may not have the nearly the bandwidth and linearity of a speaker that can only reach 90db/w/m.
It could therefore be considered to be very sensitive to input voltage, but not particularly efficient in terms of accurate audio reproduction.

Really big speakers like the JBL K2 have accurate broadband response AND are very sensitive to input voltage.

Come on now, this thread is a mine is bigger than yours thing and you go and introduce overall performance and practical real world measurements.

Yes, but what about a 2 watt SET in a home hi-fi setup? Why would what’s used in a recording studio have any bearing?

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