What does speaker sensitivity (dB) mean?

Sensitivity describes how much sound level a speaker can produce from a given electrical input signal.

It is usually specified in decibels (dB).

A common way to measure sensitivity is to state the sound pressure level at a distance of one metre with a 2.83-volt input signal.

What does high sensitivity mean?

A high-sensitivity speaker normally needs less power to reach a given sound level.

For example, a speaker with 91 dB sensitivity can play louder than a speaker with 85 dB sensitivity at the same input signal, provided the measurements are comparable.

A difference of 3 dB corresponds to approximately a doubling of electrical power at a comparable impedance and using the same measurement method.

Does higher sensitivity mean better sound?

No.

Sensitivity describes how effectively the speaker converts electrical energy into sound.

However, it does not tell you how detailed, balanced or natural the speaker sounds.

Is sensitivity important when choosing an amplifier?

Yes.

A low-sensitivity speaker may need more amplifier power to play as loudly as a high-sensitivity speaker.

This is particularly relevant if you have a large room or want to play at high sound levels.

Can I compare sensitivity across all speakers?

Not always directly.

Manufacturers may use different measurement methods.

For example, 2.83 V is not the same as 1 watt at every impedance.

At 8 ohms, 2.83 V corresponds to approximately 1 watt, while the same voltage corresponds to approximately 2 watts at 4 ohms.

It is therefore important to check how sensitivity was measured.