How to understand the basic specifications of your speakers

Understanding the specifications of our speakers is not always an easy task. Knowing first-hand data such as power , sensitivity or frequency response is essential to decide on one model or another. However, identifying what is best for us at a glance can be complicated.

In this post, we will explain in a simple way the basic specifications of speakers and what you should look for when buying them. Keep reading!

Power

When we talk about active speakers , power is one of the most relevant specifications, although not necessarily the most important.

Power refers to the maximum volume our speakers can reach and is measured in watts (W). It is crucial to understand that while higher power can translate into louder and more voluminous sound, this does not guarantee that the audio quality will be higher.

Within the term power, we find two types:

• RMS Power : This is the amount of continuous power that a speaker can handle and reach without distorting or breaking up. This data is one of the most reliable when considering the purchase of speakers, especially when comparing different models. Understanding RMS power allows you to have a clearer idea of ​​how your speakers will behave on a day-to-day basis and placed in your room, to enjoy clear, distortion-free sound.

• Peak Power: Peak power indicates the level of power or peak that the speaker can reach for short periods of time . Although it is interesting to know this figure, peak power should not be a relevant data when choosing a speaker for daily use. This is because, in normal situations, speakers do not constantly operate at their maximum capacity, and a focus on RMS power is much more significant to ensure quality, distortion-free sound in practice.

Frequency response

Frequency response is one of the most important specifications when evaluating any audio device. Expressed in hertz (Hz), it indicates the range of sounds that the speaker is capable of reproducing, covering the bass, midrange and treble ranges.

To better understand the different types of sound that these frequencies encompass, we can classify them into three main categories:

• Bass (20-250 Hz): These correspond to low-frequency sounds, such as drums or bass, which add depth and weight to the sound. They are predominant in genres such as rock, hip-hop or electronic music.

• Mids (250 Hz - 4 kHz): This range covers most of the sounds we hear in music, including vocals and many instruments. The midrange is often the core of songs.

• Treble (4 kHz - 20 kHz): Associated with high tones and fine details, such as cymbals and certain wind instruments. Treble is easily recognizable in instrumental music or soundtracks, where it provides clarity and definition.

Understanding these ranges will allow you to choose speakers that fit your preferences, depending on the music or content you regularly listen to.

Sensitivity

Although sensitivity is closely related to impedance (an important factor in passive speakers), it is still an interesting factor in powered speakers . Sensitivity tells us how loud the speaker can be without having particularly high power ratings.

This is expressed in decibels (dB) and is useful for determining performance in large or noisy spaces where greater volume is needed without resorting to more power.

Number of ways

The number of ways in a speaker refers to the internal divisions that allow different frequency ranges to be handled more effectively. Below we explain the most common configurations:

• 1-way speakers: These have a single driver that reproduces the entire frequency spectrum. This design is common in basic and inexpensive 2.0 systems, but it can limit the clarity of the sound, especially in the bass and treble.

• 2-way speakers: These include a woofer for bass and a tweeter for treble, dividing the sound into two frequency ranges. This is the most common structure in mid-range active speakers, as it provides a fuller, more balanced sound.

• 3-Way Speakers: Add a specific driver for mid-range frequencies, along with the woofer and tweeter. This design ensures more accurate reproduction of all frequency ranges, resulting in a more detailed and clearer sound.

While the number of channels is not a decisive factor for all users, it is an important aspect for those who want greater fidelity in music reproduction.

Driver materials

Finally, and although not a specification as such, paying attention to the materials of the drivers can be useful when choosing speakers, as they influence the quality and character of the sound.

• Tweeter: Tweeters, which reproduce high-pitched sounds, are typically made of materials such as fabric or silk, metal, or ceramic. Fabric or silk tweeters tend to offer a warmer, smoother sound, while metal or ceramic tweeters typically provide a brighter, more detailed sound.

• Woofer: Woofers, which handle bass sounds, are typically made of paper, plastic, or metal. Paper woofers are lightweight and responsive to playback, delivering natural, detailed sound, though they may be less durable. Metal woofers, on the other hand, are sturdier and more durable, though they may be a little less responsive in reproducing nuances.

As you can see, choosing the best speakers can be a complicated task. However, knowing the basic specifications is a point in our favor and allows us to make a decision that is appropriate to our needs. Every aspect, from the power to the materials of the drivers, influences the sound quality that we will later enjoy at home.

At VULKKANO, we have a wide selection of speakers designed to meet different tastes and needs. We invite you to explore our catalog and find the perfect model to take your sound experience to the next level.