How loud a speaker plays for a given amount of power, measured in decibels at 1 watt/1 meter. Higher sensitivity means louder sound from the same amp.
Sensitivity is an efficiency rating: how loud (in dB) a speaker plays when fed exactly 1 watt, measured 1 meter away. It's a useful shortcut for predicting how much amplifier power you'll actually need.
A 3dB difference in sensitivity roughly equals doubling (or halving) the amplifier power needed to reach the same volume. A high-sensitivity speaker paired with a modest amp can play just as loud as a low-sensitivity speaker on a much bigger amp.
| Context | Typical Home Audio | Typical Car Audio |
|---|---|---|
| Bookshelf speakers | 85 – 90 dB | — |
| Component speakers | — | 88 – 93 dB |
| Horn-loaded drivers | 95 – 105 dB | — |
