Systemic Development > Speakers

Can I Measure A Speaker’s Sensitivity?

(1/2) > >>

James Edward:
In another thread I have been recounting the rebuilding of a friend’s speakers- new drivers, rebuilt crossovers, etc. They were originally spec’d at 84 db 1 watt. I have a sound meter, test cd’s, etc. I am curious more than anything if things have changed much. Any thoughts?
To be honest, my friend is not an audiophile, and an accurate measurement won’t do much other than assuage my curiosity.
Thanks.

James Edward:
You know what- on second thought, I’ve experienced enough variation on what a speaker manufacturer specifies to know that the outcome is ‘elastic’ to put it kindly. I’ll just report back my impressions.
Thanks.

Nick B:

--- Quote from: James Edward on June 30, 2021, 05:23:57 PM ---You know what- on second thought, I’ve experienced enough variation on what a speaker manufacturer specifies to know that the outcome is ‘elastic’ to put it kindly. I’ll just report back my impressions.
Thanks.

--- End quote ---

Your results should make your non-audiophile friend quite happy  :thumb:

S Clark:
Easiest is to get the specs from the manufacturer.  To measure it yourself you need a power meter (in watts), a calibrated mic (or accurate dB meter), a 1Khz signal, a test box, and an amp.  Set the mic one meter from the center of the speaker.  Set the volume for 1W on the meter.  Or see if Rich will measure it for you. 

James Edward:
The specs are from the original in 1980- when SEAS made a complete speaker, cabinet and all. The rebuilds are like Abe Lincoln’s axe at this point- different head, different handle…
After 40 years, only the upper bass driver is still in production. The woofer, upper midrange, and tweeter are all best attempts at replicating the Thiele/Small parameters of the original drivers. Brian at Madisound was quite helpful in this regard. I was able to contact SEAS Norway via email and they sent me pdf specs of the cabinets, drivers, and crossovers. The crossover diagrams were helpful to Scott at SG Custom Sound who rebuilt the crossovers.
I realized after I posted this that there is no way I can do an accurate measurement- nor, it seems, is a definitive way of measuring observed by manufacturers.
I’m excited to hear what has transpired- my friend is refinishing the cabinets, so this could take a while.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page