What Is a Car Speaker Sensitivity Rating?

Speaker sensitivity is one of several variables that affects sound quality in speakers.

Speaker sensitivity, or efficiency, is one of several numerical variables that can be used to compare speakers of any type, including speakers designed for car audio applications.

Sensitivity Definition

Speaker sensitivity is a measurement of the loudest noise a speaker can produce with a given amount of power sent to it from the car's head unit. It is generally measured as a ratio, for example, 99dB/1w/1m, with dB (decibels) indicating the maximum volume of a speaker from a power source that is producing 1w (1 watt), a 1m (1 meter) distance from the speaker.

Sensitivity and Sound

A speaker with a higher sensitivity rating is able to produce sound more efficiently, which results in not only a louder sound output, but also a cleaner and crisper sound. Speakers with lower sensitivity ratings may sound muffled or distorted at times, especially at higher volumes.

Matching Sensitivity to Output

Sensitivity is an important factor to consider in the context of the output of your car's head unit. A high-wattage head unit does not necessarily require a high-sensitivity speaker to produce a loud, clean sound. A low-wattage head unit, however, will tend to sound muffled and unclean with a low-sensitivity speakers.

References

• Crutchfield: Home Speakers FAQ
• Integrated Audio: The Importance of Loudspeaker Sensitivity