Lee
07-14-2002, 07:16 PM
4.2 How does speaker sensitivity affect real world SPL? Will a higher sensitivity give me a larger SPL? [MS]When it comes to mids and highs, efficiency (sensitivity) is a fairly good indicator of output differences at the same power level. When it comes to subwoofer performance, the driver's sensitivity is irrelevant unless you are also specifying a box volume.
An efficient sub requires a larger box to achieve equivalent extension to a less efficient sub. In a small box, the less efficient sub will actually be LOUDER at low frequencies at the SAME POWER as the more efficient sub.
Linear excursion is a very good indicator of ultimate output capability (given sufficient power to drive the speaker to that point.) To make sound you must move air; therefore, the more air you move, the more sound you make. When comparing two speakers of equal surface area, the one with greater excursion capability will play louder given sufficient power.
An efficient sub requires a larger box to achieve equivalent extension to a less efficient sub. In a small box, the less efficient sub will actually be LOUDER at low frequencies at the SAME POWER as the more efficient sub.
Linear excursion is a very good indicator of ultimate output capability (given sufficient power to drive the speaker to that point.) To make sound you must move air; therefore, the more air you move, the more sound you make. When comparing two speakers of equal surface area, the one with greater excursion capability will play louder given sufficient power.