Small speakers with high sensitivity

[Simon66]

I'm after a pair of bookshelf speakers with high sensitivity, budget upto around £200, anything considered, new, used. Usual suspects like kef, tannoy etc etc, recommendations please.

 

[Charlie_1]

I tried some budget Klipsch a few years ago and they were fine. Think they've been replaced now but the R-51M looks similar and has 93db sensitivity which is quite good for a speaker that size.

 

[Chris81]

A high sensitivity and a bookshelf speaker are mutually exclusive. Many companies claim that they have high sensitivity but in reality they don't have because they can't leaver out the laws of physic. To find something proper new for 200GBP is unrealistic too IMO.
I would look for older Klipsch Reference speakers.


Maybe interesting thread for you: https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/small-er-efficient-speakers.258478/

 

[Chris81]

I tried some budget Klipsch a few years ago and they were fine. Think they've been replaced now but the R-51M looks similar and has 93db sensitivity which is quite good for a speaker that size.

Unfortunately the 93dB is a totally BS claim by Klipsch. The don't have and never will.
Here is the predecessor model: https://www.hifitest.de/test/bildergalerie/lautsprecher_stereo/klipsch-rb_51_188/4
Specs: 92dB reality: 84-86dB.

 

[raysablade]

My Kef C20s have been run in tandem with a pair of much larger PMCs for the last few months over a switcher. Subjective volume over the claimed 87dB PMCs, when I switched, was louder and I have no reason to doubt that they get close to the claimed 90dB sensitivity. With an 8.5" woofer I guess that is no surprise.

The other interesting thing about this design is that it does sound OK against a wall.

At current giveaway prices they might be worth a try as a reference.

Unfortunately mine are no longer for sale, but they do crop up on Ebay quite frequently.

 

[david ellwood]

Pop a pair of these in a suitable enclosure.

https://www.soundimports.eu/en/dayton-audio-ps180-8.html

 

[Colin123]

I'm after a pair of bookshelf speakers with high sensitivity, budget upto around £200, anything considered, new, used. Usual suspects like kef, tannoy etc etc, recommendations please.

What amp are you using?

 

[Hoopsontoast]

Rega R1/RS1. Worked well with both a T-Amp and a Rega Brio3.

 

[Colin123]

I have used Focal Chorus 807v in the past. 92db with forward facing ports which make placing easier.
Look out for a secondhand pair.
I first heard these at a show, Guy Sergeant was using them with one of his valve amps, sounded fantastic.
I used them with my Puresound 2a3 before I got the Heco Direkt's.
I still have a pair in the attic but I'll be hanging on to them.

 

[Simon66]

What amp are you using?

They are to be hooked up to a vintage marantz receiver

 

[cupples]

Triangle standmounts like the Titus and Compete tend to be fairly sensitive for their size, around 90dB.

 

[ArtK]

They are to be hooked up to a vintage marantz receiver

Something like a 2220B?

 

[Simon66]

Something like a 2220B?

Yes, 2238BL actually

 

[James]

Vintage Yamaha NS-10Ms are rated at 90dB/w/m but don't go much below 80Hz. Yer cannae have your cake and eat it too.

 

[tenpercenter]

Audio Note AX1 or AX2 - around 90db. Not made new anymore I believe, but you may find a pair s/h

Also work ok close to walls. Lively open sound.

 

[ArtK]

Yes, 2238BL actually

My first receiver back in the early 70’s was a 2220B. I had one for a while a few years ago just for nostalgia. Beautiful receivers.