Decoding Speaker Specifications
When shopping for speakers, you'll encounter numerous specifications. Understanding what they mean helps you make better purchasing decisions.
Frequency Response
What it is: The range of frequencies a speaker can reproduce.
Example: 35Hz - 20kHz (±3dB)
What to look for:
- Lower first number = deeper bass
- The ±dB indicates accuracy (lower is better)
- Real-world performance may vary
For bass testing:
- Look for speakers rated down to at least 40Hz
- Subwoofers should reach 20Hz or lower
- Don't trust specs without the ±dB rating
Sensitivity
What it is: How loud a speaker gets with a given amount of power.
Example: 88dB @ 1W/1m
What it means:
- Higher number = louder at same power
- Important for amplifier matching
- Affects dynamic range
Typical values:
- Low sensitivity: < 86dB
- Average: 86-90dB
- High sensitivity: > 90dB
Impedance
What it is: Electrical resistance of the speaker.
Common values: 4, 6, or 8 ohms
Why it matters:
- Must match your amplifier
- Lower impedance = more current draw
- Affects amplifier compatibility
Power Handling
What it is: How much power the speaker can handle.
Example: 100W RMS / 200W Peak
Understanding the numbers:
- RMS = continuous power handling
- Peak = momentary power handling
- RMS is the more important number
Subwoofer-Specific Specs
Driver size:
- 8": Compact, good for small rooms
- 10": Balanced performance
- 12"+: Deep bass, larger rooms
Ported vs. Sealed:
- Ported: More efficient, louder bass
- Sealed: Tighter, more accurate bass
What Specs Don't Tell You
- Sound quality (subjective)
- Room interaction (varies by space)
- Build quality (not always reflected)
- Real-world performance
Conclusion
Specs are a starting point, not the final word. Use them to narrow down choices, then trust your ears. Our bass tester helps you evaluate real performance in your actual listening space.