Power compression in lower efficiency speakers

AJ Soundfield said:
I agree, especially for my tastes, which include music with wide dynamic range. I would consider the Counterpoints 200w/8 ohm 400w(?)/4 ohm (rms) to be more suitable that the other two lower power amps. However, rms ratings tell little, more important would be dynamic power vs load, as music (that I listen to) is dynamic, not rms. You could try a more powerful amp, but it's also possible that your speakers are beginning to compress even with the Counterpoint. Direct radiator/domes generally don't fare well with dynamics (unless you accept purely subjective opinions of cyber fans as gospel. Then, anything goes).
Unfortunately Soundstage does not have data on any Dyn towers, but here is one for a bookshelf:
View attachment 6580
Note the obvious signs of distress from the dome tweeter. 95db @ 2m is quite loud...with a steady state signal. Music isn't steady state. It's quite easy to have dynamic peaks that loud when listening at much lower average levels (caveat about music tastes apply).
Btw, I'm not singling out Dyn at all, their drivers are pretty good amongst the cone/dome variety. This (generally) applies to that whole subset of lower sensitivity type designs. It's just that very, very, very few people require "real life" dynamics capability, hence the overwhelming popularity of low sensitivity/direct radiator speakers.


Statements are easy to make...and tastes vary.:)

cheers,

AJ
Click to expand...
AJ very interesting info, thank for that!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top