Sensitivity
Output in dB from one speaker at 1 meter for a 2.83V input — the number that predicts how much amp you need.
Sensitivity states how loud a speaker plays from a fixed input: dB SPL at 1 meter for 2.83V (which is 1 watt into 8Ω). An 85dB speaker needs roughly four times the amplifier power of a 91dB speaker to hit the same level, because every +3dB costs a doubling of watts. The catch: on a 4Ω speaker, 2.83V is 2 watts, so subtract 3dB to compare against true 1W/1m ratings. We print the convention on every spec plate for exactly this reason.
Category: Amps, Receivers & Streamers