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Downside of sensitivity?

I'm new to world of audio, and still puzzling out a number of things. One question in particular that I have concerns speaker senstivity. It seems as though higher sensitivity is a positive, i.e. it allows one to use lower-power amplifiers, sound is more relaxed, generally more flexible with equipment. Yet there seem to be a large number of quality speakers with lowish sensitivity. Given that speaker design seems to be an exercise in compromise (short of the cost-is-no-object level), what qualities does one give up with higher-sensitivity (say, > 91db)? Conversely, what qualities does the speaker designer gain with a less sensitive design(86-87 db)? I've quickly learned that there are no absolutes when it comes to audio equipment, but any thoughts as to the trade-offs in general? Tks.
john_adams_sunnyvale
montytx
136 posts
 
The transformation to lower sensitivity speakers was a result of high demand for more linear speakers that measured well. In general, (down boy!) sensitive speakers can be more dynamic. This is especially true if you are of the single ended, triode crowd. I agree with the comment that approaching a system with either an amp or a speaker in mind can dictate what the other needs to be to perform at its best.
audiokinesis
1,872 posts
 
I think Sean covered the issue quite well.

In my opinion the single biggest downside to high efficiency is that you will need a bigger box to get the same bass extension. If you want the advantages of high efficiency (improved dynamic contrast, for instance) you either have to live with a bigger box, reduced bass extension, a powered bass section (built-in or as a separte subwoofer), or corner speaker placement.

Duke
john_adams_sunnyvale OP
6 posts
 
Thanks all for the great responses. In poking around on the internet, I came across the following which I thought was interesting:

http://www.trueaudio.com/st_trade.htm
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