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General speaker questions for audio and home theater.

RE: Zu Soul Supreme sensitivity

Perhaps read and see the measurement of Hi-Fi Critic for yourself if you are interested. Martin Colloms measured the speakers and got both the frequency and the sensitivity. Hi-Fi Choice Magazine and Audiophile magazine also measured the speakers and also achieved AN's specs.

It's not like 3dB either way is a big factor. High watt SS amp is dirt cheap - you can always look for that Rotel Power amp that is capable of 1kw at 1 ohm. Probably get it for $300 on the second hand market - then sensitivity is a moot point. And if you are buying a SET amp of the low watt variety chances are you are going to audition to make sure it has enough power to drive the speaker competently because as you note - you can't always trust what the sensitivity number is - since even if something is 95dB it doesn't mean that it will be easier to drive than than an 83dB LS-3/5a at 11 or 16 ohms.

But surely you have some common sense to realize that if a speaker is for 20+ years demonstrated with 6-10 watt amps and manages to on very many occasions win best sound at a show that the speaker is easy to drive. Even JA says the AN E is easy to drive.

So while this is a fun exercise in number crunching - real world application is more relevant to me.

And to that end - if you happen to live in California Steve Hoffman (mastering engineer for the Beatles, John Coltrane, Pink Floyd, Eva Cassidy, Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Miles Davis, Peggy Lee, Wes Montgomery, Judy Garland etc) is having a get together where you can, on June 17th, go and listen to an AN E (not sure if it is either of Steve's pair or the dealer's) being driven on a 7 watt amp. Then bring your favorite measuring tools and hear for yourself. No cost - no selling - just listening. Special guests apparently and autographs for your albums and free food too. Not too shabby. If I lived there I'd go. Reel to Reel as well apparently.

Close computer screen/books and get off couch and experience what ease of drive means.





Edits: 06/01/17

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