Lee
07-14-2002, 05:47 PM
3.1 What do all of those specifications on speakers mean? [JSC, CD]Input sensitivity is the SPL the driver will produce given one watt of power as measured from one meter away given some input frequency (usually 1kHz unless otherwise noted on the speaker). Typical sensitivities for car audio speakers are around 90dB/Wm. Some subwoofers and piezo horns claim over 100dB/Wm. However, some manufacturers do not use true 1W tests, especially on low impedance subwoofers. Rather, they use a constant voltage test which produces more impressive sensitivity ratings.
Frequency response in a speaker refers to the range of frequencies which the speaker can reproduce within a certain power range, usually +/-3dB. CAF note: but can be all over the chart if not specified
Impedance is the impedance of the driver See section 1.1 What do all of those acronyms mean? [JSC] (http://mobileaudio.com/rac-faq/rac-faq_1.html#SEC2), typically 4 ohms, although some subwoofers are 8 ohms, some stock Delco speakers are 10 ohms, and some stock Japanese imports are 6 ohms.
Nominal power handling is the continuous power handling of the driver. This figure tells you how much power you can put into the driver for very long periods of time without having to worry about breaking the suspension, overheating the voice coil, or other nasty things.
Peak power handling is the maximum power handling of the driver. This figure tells you how much power you can put into the driver for very brief periods of time without having to worry about destroying it.
Note: Be aware that there is no standardized testing mechanism in place for rating car audio products. As such, manufacturers are open to exaggerating, "fudging", or just plain lying when it comes to rating their own products.
Frequency response in a speaker refers to the range of frequencies which the speaker can reproduce within a certain power range, usually +/-3dB. CAF note: but can be all over the chart if not specified
Impedance is the impedance of the driver See section 1.1 What do all of those acronyms mean? [JSC] (http://mobileaudio.com/rac-faq/rac-faq_1.html#SEC2), typically 4 ohms, although some subwoofers are 8 ohms, some stock Delco speakers are 10 ohms, and some stock Japanese imports are 6 ohms.
Nominal power handling is the continuous power handling of the driver. This figure tells you how much power you can put into the driver for very long periods of time without having to worry about breaking the suspension, overheating the voice coil, or other nasty things.
Peak power handling is the maximum power handling of the driver. This figure tells you how much power you can put into the driver for very brief periods of time without having to worry about destroying it.
Note: Be aware that there is no standardized testing mechanism in place for rating car audio products. As such, manufacturers are open to exaggerating, "fudging", or just plain lying when it comes to rating their own products.