How to read speaker specs (1 Viewer)

[Kurt Hectic]

I'm confused about some of the terms that I often read in the specs of speakers:
- Freq: 35-20KHz at ± 3dB (what's the ± 3db for?)
- Impedence: 8 ohm (why should I care about this?)
- Lower Freq Extension: 30Hz (DIN) (what's that exactly? What does extension mean?)
- Sensitivity-Room/Anechoic: 91dB/88dB (what's the difference between both numbers? What should I care for more?)
- Suitable Amplifier Power Range: 15 - 350 watts (???)
- Maximum Input Power: 210 watts (???)

I would really appreciate your feedback guys.

 

[Jose G]

Go to this link: click
If the link doesn't work, look for the HTF primer. It will answer all of these questions.

 

[Kurt Hectic]

Thanks, here are my remaining questions (the ones I couldn't find answers to):
- Lower Freq Extension: 30Hz (DIN) (what's that exactly? What does extension mean?)
- Sensitivity-Room/Anechoic: 91dB/88dB (what's the difference between both numbers? What should I care for more?)
- Maximum Input Power: 210 watts (???)
I would appreciate any answers or links

 

[Jeffrey Forner]

I'll give this a shot.

Quote:

Simply put, if you supply your speakers with this much power from your amp, you will fry your speakers.

 

[Jason Brent]

I know Paradigm uses the "DIN" frequency extension number. According to them, that is the -3dB point in a 'typical' listening environment. Not quite sure what 'typical' is though...

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

- Lower Freq Extension: 30Hz (DIN) (what's that exactly? What does extension mean?)

Used in conjunction with the frequency response spec – in this case 35-20KHz at ± 3dB.
The Low Frequency Extension figure means the speaker in this example has usable output down to 30Hz, although output at 30Hz will be less than the –3dB figure quoted with the broadband response.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[Kurt Hectic]

Thanks guys.

- Suitable Amplifier Power Range: 15 - 350 watts (???)
- Maximum Input Power: 210 watts (???)

If max input power means I should supply more power than 210, then why can the suitable amplifier power range reach 350 watts!? I'm confused again. Are those numbers above not about the same thing?

 

[Brett DiMichele]

Kurt,

The 350 Watt is a "Program" or "Peak" figure. It means that
the drivers could safely take 350 watts for about a second
before they would fry.. 210 watts is that absolute amount
of continious power they will take before damage occours to
the speakers.