Usher Tiny Dancer 87/1/1 Sensitivity a concern?

[meggy]

I'm considering a pair of Usher BE-718 (Tiny Dancers). Pretty good reviews all around with two concerns that pop up.
1. That they really handle 200W or is it a lot less, and
2. The 87/1/1 Senistivity is low. I think I've got a pretty good grasp on the difference between Effeciency & Sensitivity, but would this speaker's (lower than ave) 87/1/1 sensitivity rating be a concern in achieving not so much maximium loudness, but maximum sound quality.

As far as power goes, they'd be driven by Kenwood L-07MKII Monoblocks so providing wattage is not a problem. Bottom line is that it seems like the 87/1/1 rating requires more power to reach it's best capability.

Here's a quote from just some shop's description of sensitivity

The importance of sensitivity ratings is sometimes overlooked. Here is how stark the difference can be. If a speaker is rated at 83 dB SPL 1W/1M, then to reach a peak of 104 dB SPL the speakers would need an amplifier capable of producing in excess of 125 watts per channel. But, if a speaker is rated at 98 dB SPL 1W/1M, to reach the same SPL of 104 dB would require only 4 watts.


Is that right (in a nutshell)? Any help and/or clarification would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Nikko75]

I think you need to listen to them first. They are excellent though. One of the best bookshelf speakers made.

 

[sealy]

Similar to the LS3 5A, JR 149, and other mini monitors. Yes, more power makes them sound better, but unfortunately, these types of speakers usually (but not always) have limited dynamic range. With respect to the JR's, they are not happy with much more than the mid to high 90 db level. I believe the same was true of the LS as well. Within their range capabilities, however, they are superb reproducers. I am not sure about the Ushers. Sounds like they have much more dynamic capability - 200 watts would give them an output in the range of 105 db, which seems like an awful lot of output for what I am assuming is a small speaker.

 

[Urizen]

You're on the right track, Meggy. However, speaker sensitivity has little to do with sound quality.

87dB is average, esp. for small boxes. The reviewer in that article seems to think those Ushers are around 85dB.

IIRC, I heard that model at the Fest. They sounded very nice. Your Kenwoods should have no problem pushing them.

Ken

 

[RayW]

Sensitivity, in and of itself, is not really an indicator of sound quality. While it's true that you'll need more power to get to a certain level, that doesn't mean that it'll sound bad. And 87 really isn't that low. If you were running a 3wpc SET then it would be a concern but since you have Watts to spare it won't matter much. I've seen speakers rated as low as 83. That's low.

The biggest argument for high sensitivity speakers is the distortion. If you're putting less power into the speakers, you're stressing them less and you'll have lower distortion. However, most better driver manufacturers these days (and Usher is one) are using motor structions that decrease distortion at higher powers so it's not as much of an issue.

Bottom line, if you're running anything over about 10wpc and don't have a listening room that looks like the Astrodome and don't want AC/DC concert levels you should be fine with the Ushers.

Ray

 

[meggy]

Wow. Great instant info. Thanks guys.

I think you need to listen to them first. They are excellent though. One of the best bookshelf speakers made.

I have. But in a demo room and a $15K turntable, etc. You know how that goes. They won't let me demo at home. I'm hoping to find someone that will.

87 is not low - look at the old Ohm Walsh speakers they were 82 db.

I guess it's all relative.

Similar to the LS3 5A, JR 149, and other mini monitors. Yes, more power makes them sound better, but unfortunately, these types of speakers usually (but not always) have limited dynamic range. With respect to the JR's, they are not happy with much more than the mid to high 90 db level. I believe the same was true of the LS as well. Within their range capabilities, however, they are superb reproducers. I am not sure about the Ushers. Sounds like they have much more dynamic capability - 200 watts would give them an output in the range of 105 db, which seems like an awful lot of output for what I am assuming is a small speaker.

Limited dynamic range is not what I need. 95% of what I listen to is on Vinyl.

You're on the right track, Meggy. However, speaker sensitivity has nothing to do with sound quality.

87dB is average, esp. for small boxes. The reviewer in that article seems to think those Ushers are around 85dB.

IIRC, I heard that model at the Fest. They sounded very nice. Your Kenwoods should have no problem pushing them.

Ken

Plus, the room isn't huge. I don't have to crank it way up fill a vast area. About 14' x 18' x 9'.

Sensitivity, in and of itself, is not really an indicator of sound quality. While it's true that you'll need more power to get to a certain level, that doesn't mean that it'll sound bad. And 87 really isn't that low. If you were running a 3wpc SET then it would be a concern but since you have Watts to spare it won't matter much. I've seen speakers rated as low as 83. That's low.

The biggest argument for high sensitivity speakers is the distortion. If you're putting less power into the speakers, you're stressing them less and you'll have lower distortion. However, most better driver manufacturers these days (and Usher is one) are using motor structions that decrease distortion at higher powers so it's not as much of an issue.

Bottom line, if you're running anything over about 10wpc and don't have a listening room that looks like the Astrodome and don't want AC/DC concert levels you should be fine with the Ushers.

Ray

Possible distortion from the monos. Good point. Dang, I need a home demo.