is 7db more speaker sensitivity a great big upgrade?

[mike c]

is 7db more speaker sensitivity a great big upgrade?

option 1: should i stick with my Infinity BETA 50's with dual 8 woofers with 91db/1 watt sensitivity

or

option 2: get the new JTR Speakers Triple 8 with 98db/1 watt sensitivity


BETA 50 has 250w power handling while the Triple 8 has 1200w
250w ; 12 feet distance =
103db for the BETA and 110db for the JTR

http://www.infinitysystems.com/home/products/product_detail.aspx?prod=BETA50BK&CheckProduct=Y&Language=ENG&Country=US&Region=USA
http://jtrspeakers.com/triple8ht.html
(sensitivity specs on JTR have improved as per JTR)

 

[TjMV3]

That's 6db more, not seven.

And it does make a difference in performance. Much will depend on the components you have feeding the speakers and your own personal taste/preference.

 

[jliedeka]

Higher sensitivity is a good thing if everything else is equal, but rarely is everything else equal. I'd also look at overall power handling, power response near the crossover point and distortion measurement plus frequency response if you can find all that stuff out. Then I'd still want to audition the new speakers in my home or at least in a similar environment with similar gear.

Jim

 

[mike c]

That's 6db more, not seven.

And it does make a difference in performance. Much will depend on the components you have feeding the speakers and your own personal taste/preference.

oops typo. it's 91 vs 98db

Higher sensitivity is a good thing if everything else is equal, but rarely is everything else equal. I'd also look at overall power handling, power response near the crossover point and distortion measurement plus frequency response if you can find all that stuff out. Then I'd still want to audition the new speakers in my home or at least in a similar environment with similar gear.

Jim

demo'ing would be impossible in my case ...

i can have anywhere between 250wpc to 450wpc at 8 ohms supplying the mains (so the amp side is taken cared of)

add to the fact that the JTR is a 4 ohm load, which means i have even more power on tap for it.

basically ... someone whose opinion i respect, told me to get bigger mains because:
1) i have exponentially more invested on my subs than my mains
2) having bigger/more efficient mains will help wean me off wanting more subs (counterintuitive IMO, but i submit to his knowledge)

 

[Matt34]

I don't think it's even fair to compare those two sets of speakers Mike. The Beta's are good at their price point but the JTR are going to be able to produce much higher spl with little to no compression or distortion. Especially in your setup the Triple 8's will have no problem keeping up with your sub array.

I'm saving my pennies for them or possible Mark Seaton's Sparks.

 

[Nomo]

I was looking for the ""just buy another sub" option but didn't see it.
I agree with Matt, the Betas are actually great speakers for the money but I don't think they'll compare to the JTRs, although I haven't heard them.

I voted upgrade, but it comes down to more than SPL.

 

[adk highlander]

I have to tend to agree that you need something more serious for mains with the sub setup you have. The JTR's with the SPL's they can push at least have a chance to keep up with your subs.

But hey what do I know and its not my money so it is easy to say UPGRADE.

 

[CraigV]

Louder does not equate to better

 

[jamie2112]

JTR's is my choice. Since you already have the power you need they would sound great with all 234 of your subs....

 

[highfigh]

is 7db more speaker sensitivity a great big upgrade?

option 1: should i stick with my Infinity BETA 50's with dual 8 woofers with 91db/1 watt sensitivity

or

option 2: get the new JTR Speakers Triple 8 with 98db/1 watt sensitivity


BETA 50 has 250w power handling while the Triple 8 has 1200w
250w ; 12 feet distance =
103db for the BETA and 110db for the JTR

http://www.infinitysystems.com/home/products/product_detail.aspx?prod=BETA50BK&CheckProduct=Y&Language=ENG&Country=US&Region=USA
http://jtrspeakers.com/triple8ht.html
(sensitivity specs on JTR have improved as per JTR)

6dB more is equivalent to running your existing speakers with 4 Watts vs the 1Watt that gets you 91dB. add another dB and IIRC, it's close to 5.5 Watts input. However, if the speakers that are more sensitive don't sound better, it's not going to be a good change.

If the more sensitive speakers sound better, it would definitely be a good change and your headroom will be noticeably better.

 

[Highbar]

JTR's is my choice. Since you already have the power you need they would sound great with all 234 of your subs....

So that's 234 subs.... man he's got some in hiding that I don't know about

Mike get the JTR's from everything I've read they are incredible for movies and good with music.

 

[Pyrrho]

is 7db more speaker sensitivity a great big upgrade?

option 1: should i stick with my Infinity BETA 50's with dual 8 woofers with 91db/1 watt sensitivity

or

option 2: get the new JTR Speakers Triple 8 with 98db/1 watt sensitivity


BETA 50 has 250w power handling while the Triple 8 has 1200w
250w ; 12 feet distance =
103db for the BETA and 110db for the JTR

http://www.infinitysystems.com/home/products/product_detail.aspx?prod=BETA50BK&CheckProduct=Y&Language=ENG&Country=US&Region=USA
http://jtrspeakers.com/triple8ht.html
(sensitivity specs on JTR have improved as per JTR)

As has already been stated, louder is not the same as sounding better. A 7 dB difference in sensitivity is a significant difference, but that does not mean that it will sound better. Some great speakers have poor sensitivity ratings (e.g., Magnepan, etc.). But even louder may not matter. Can your current system play as loud as you ever want it? If so, then you don't even need louder.

What you should do is listen to the different speakers and judge based upon that.

 

[lsiberian]

As has already been stated, louder is not the same as sounding better. A 7 dB difference in sensitivity is a significant difference, but that does not mean that it will sound better. Some great speakers have poor sensitivity ratings (e.g., Magnepan, etc.). But even louder may not matter. Can your current system play as loud as you ever want it? If so, then you don't even need louder.

What you should do is listen to the different speakers and judge based upon that.

You could also mod your beta 50s. the drivers are very capable.

 

[markw]

tough call.

While the new speakers with greater sensitivity will most likely sound "louder", not necessarially better, if you're currently marginal on power, but I don't think lack of power is an issue.

This boils down to two things:

1) What, exactly, is "better" to your ears? i.e. what's lacking in your current speakers?

2) Once you've quantified # 1, do the new speakers satisfy that lack?

But, if low, low end slam is what you're really after, your option # 3* should be applied.

* more subwoofer.

 

[lsiberian]

While the new speakers with greater sensitivity will most likely sound "louder", not necessarially better, if you're currently marginal on power, but I don't think lack of power is an issue.

This boils down to two things:

1) What, exactly, is "better" to your ears? i.e. what's lacking in your current speakers?

2) Once you've quantified # 1, do the new speakers satisfy that lack?

But, if low, low end slam is what you're really after, your option # 3* should be applied.

* more subwoofer.

I think he's just gotten bit by that bug again.

 

[MidnightSensi]

is 7db more speaker sensitivity a great big upgrade?

option 1: should i stick with my Infinity BETA 50's with dual 8 woofers with 91db/1 watt sensitivity

or

option 2: get the new JTR Speakers Triple 8 with 98db/1 watt sensitivity


BETA 50 has 250w power handling while the Triple 8 has 1200w
250w ; 12 feet distance =
103db for the BETA and 110db for the JTR

http://www.infinitysystems.com/home/products/product_detail.aspx?prod=BETA50BK&CheckProduct=Y&Language=ENG&Country=US&Region=USA
http://jtrspeakers.com/triple8ht.html
(sensitivity specs on JTR have improved as per JTR)

I've heard the JTR Triple 12s, paired with a set of Growlers, in less than ideal conditions, with conservative amplifier power and no processing, and felt they sounded great. I think you would find a tramendious benefit with the Triple 8s in your home theater, with dynamics, but also with imaging (the JTRs imaged nicely) and also provide wide coverage for your seating. The sound quality of JTRs is fantastic and Jeff is a great guy. If the step up to the 12s isn't too much for you, you might want to talk with him about that upgrade, not because I don't think the 8s will be enough for you, but because of how hard it is to ship stuff to you, in case you get an upgrade bug, you might want to just pay shipping once.

The punch you have been looking for is here, I think you are in the right direction.

 

[agarwalro]

is 7db more speaker sensitivity a great big upgrade?

option 1: should i stick with my Infinity BETA 50's with dual 8 woofers with 91db/1 watt sensitivity

or

option 2: get the new JTR Speakers Triple 8 with 98db/1 watt sensitivity

Mike, is this a rhetorical or test question? 'You are like, an AH granddaddy' (said in valley girl accent) and have probably forgotten more than what most know... Maybe this is one of those instances .

How far are you sitting from the speakers? Ignoring all else, the higher sensitivity will matter only if you are sitting very far away, by way of, requiring less power to drive to same SPL at the seat. So your amps will run cooler.

With respect to the comment on headroom, i guess, if there is sufficient headroom for the Infinity Betas, it will probably not make a noticeable difference if you have more headroom on the JTRs.

If there will be any difference in sound quality? Well the Beta 40's are very capable and if you have treated and eq'ed to optimize the room response, I cannot see anything to justify the expense.

If it matters, the JTRs are fugggggllllyyyyy by comparison. I know, I know, we know better than to buy speakers for their looks, but let’s be realistic. It is a HOME THEATER, so there is something to be said for looks and aesthetics. Alternately, if you have a dedicated HT that looks something like a pro theater, well...

 

[captiankirk28]

As has already been stated, louder is not the same as sounding better. A 7 dB difference in sensitivity is a significant difference, but that does not mean that it will sound better. Some great speakers have poor sensitivity ratings (e.g., Magnepan, etc.). But even louder may not matter. Can your current system play as loud as you ever want it? If so, then you don't even need louder.

What you should do is listen to the different speakers and judge based upon that.

That is why you have to get them and try them out in your own set up, from what i have herd you would not be dissapointed.

 

[MUDSHARK]

Sensitivity is only important with regard to the amount of amplication required. If sensitivity was that important all the world would want Klipsch. More expensive does not mean better necessarily but trust your ears. Myself, I like the Beta when placed in a large room but obviously there are much more accurate speakers at higher price levels.

 

[mike c]

one argument was that you need 105db at the listening position for reference level. I'm 12+- feet away from the mains.

applying 250w (which is the max for the BETA i think) to both speakers, we get:
103db for the BETA and 110db for the JTR

honestly, i would prefer the triple 12. but i seriously will NEVER afford it.

i currently have a loan of 1458USD (partly because of the AS-EQ1) ... which i'm paying off 200 bucks a month. (used to be 400 bucks every month, but i actually wanted to eat more than rice flakes) if i go for this, i'll be adding close to 4000 bucks to that amount. while it's fun to buy now and pay later ... i'm also maturing and thinking it's not the right thing to do. then again, if i don't buy this now ... price will further increase.