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How important is sensitivity in subs?

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gsexer 
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Posted: March 29, 2006 at 11:04 AM / IP Logged  
How much of a difference is there between a sub that is rated @ 87dB compared to one rated @ 92dB?  Let's say this was for a system for SQ(although SQ probably has nothing to do with sensitivity) in a daily driver, not a SPL comp system.
stevdart 
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Posted: March 29, 2006 at 11:13 AM / IP Logged  

Read what DYohn explained:   Loudspeaker Sensitivity vs. Efficiency.   When you use efficiency numbers, then you can make the comparison and go from there.

Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.
DYohn 
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Posted: March 29, 2006 at 12:16 PM / IP Logged  
In terms of SQ, some of the lower sensitivity subwoofers are also some of the best sounding (Adire Tumult, 83.6db; Aurasound 794, 86db; Focal Audium, 86db.)  But then there are outstanding performers with much higher sensitivity as well (JBL GTi, 92.5db; Electro-voice EVX, 98db, etc)  It depends on your system goals and what kind of install you are doing.
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Steven Kephart 
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Posted: March 29, 2006 at 12:53 PM / IP Logged  
Basically if a subwoofer is designed for a small enclosure, then it's sensitivity will be lower as well to still provide the same amount of low end extention.  A subwoofer with a higher sensitivity will most likely also require a larger enclosure.  So you have to ask yourself what is more important to you, smaller enclosure size or running a lower power amplifier. 
gsexer 
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Posted: March 29, 2006 at 2:30 PM / IP Logged  

So it looks like its not as simple as picking a sub just because it might have a higher sensitivity rating.  Then depending on the design of the sub, you might have to use a bigger enclosure for a specific level of performance.  Depending on how much space you have, you might have to go with a less sensitive sub.

What kind of numbers would you consider low or high on the sensitivity "scale"?  I see a lot of mid to high 80 to include 90dB ratings.

Steven Kephart 
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Posted: March 29, 2006 at 3:50 PM / IP Logged  
You wouldn't purchase a vehicle solely on the fuel economy of the vehicle, would you?  In fact it is kind of low on the scale when you figure in seating ability, reliability, etc.  Well it is more so true with speakers considering that power is cheap.  I would look at quite a few other things before I would look at the sensitivity.
DYohn 
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Posted: March 29, 2006 at 4:02 PM / IP Logged  
Agreed.  Unless I'm building a system for use with low-wattage tube amps I ignore sensitivity as a judgement criteria.
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gsexer 
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Posted: March 29, 2006 at 4:41 PM / IP Logged  

Steven Kephart wrote:
You wouldn't purchase a vehicle solely on the fuel economy of the vehicle, would you?  In fact it is kind of low on the scale when you figure in seating ability, reliability, etc.  Well it is more so true with speakers considering that power is cheap.  I would look at quite a few other things before I would look at the sensitivity.

Actually, when we got a car for my wife, I told her it had to get at least 30MPG on the highway.  Just like anything else, cost applied too.  Pretty much I did that cause she wanted an SUV, and I didnt want to be dropping $60 @ the pump twice a week for one vehicle.


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