How to check the efficiency of my speakers?

keungfai · 25th August 2006, 09:09 AM

I have a pair of old speakers. Is there any way that I can check the efficiency of them?

Thanks

sreten · 25th August 2006, 10:04 AM

Hi,

The only simple way is to compare them to some known references.

/sreten.

joe carrow · 25th August 2006, 06:52 PM

The not-so-simple way would be to measure them.

You would need a signal generator with amplifier, a multi-meter, and an SPL meter.

You can use your PC as a signal generator; there are many free programs that will generate arbitrary sine waves. I assume that you have an amplifier already. You just need to adjust your output sine wave to be 2.83 volts peak-to-peak, then measure the SPL at one meter. This will tell you the sensitivity.

If you want to know efficiency, then adjust the voltage such that your speaker is dissipating one watt.

Salas · 25th August 2006, 09:52 PM

Maybe you meant Vrms?

Cal Weldon · 26th August 2006, 12:52 AM

I agree with sreten. Put them up against a known set and do an A/B comparison. While it won't give you a number, it will tell you if they are more or less efficient/sensitive.

owdi · 26th August 2006, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by joe carrow
The not-so-simple way would be to measure them.

You would need a signal generator with amplifier, a multi-meter, and an SPL meter.

You can use your PC as a signal generator; there are many free programs that will generate arbitrary sine waves. I assume that you have an amplifier already. You just need to adjust your output sine wave to be 2.83 volts peak-to-peak, then measure the SPL at one meter. This will tell you the sensitivity.

If you want to know efficiency, then adjust the voltage such that your speaker is dissipating one watt.

He will also need to measure at many different frequencies to average out the effect of the room.

Dan

keungfai · 27th August 2006, 03:17 PM

sorry for my poor background of electronics....
What is a SPL meter?

Thanks

Willitwork · 27th August 2006, 05:20 PM

SPL = Sound pressure level, measured in decibels at a given distance and axis from the speaker.

25th August 2006, 09:09 AM	#1
keungfai diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2006	How to check the efficiency of my speakers? I have a pair of old speakers. Is there any way that I can check the efficiency of them? Thanks

26th August 2006, 12:52 AM	#5
Cal Weldon Speakerholic diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: British Columbia	I agree with sreten. Put them up against a known set and do an A/B comparison. While it won't give you a number, it will tell you if they are more or less efficient/sensitive. __________________ Next stop: Margaritaville Some of Cal's stuff \| Cal Weldon Consulting

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25th August 2006, 10:04 AM	#2
sreten diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brighton UK	Hi, The only simple way is to compare them to some known references. /sreten.

25th August 2006, 06:52 PM	#3
joe carrow diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: San Francisco	The not-so-simple way would be to measure them. You would need a signal generator with amplifier, a multi-meter, and an SPL meter. You can use your PC as a signal generator; there are many free programs that will generate arbitrary sine waves. I assume that you have an amplifier already. You just need to adjust your output sine wave to be 2.83 volts peak-to-peak, then measure the SPL at one meter. This will tell you the sensitivity. If you want to know efficiency, then adjust the voltage such that your speaker is dissipating one watt.

25th August 2006, 09:52 PM	#4
Salas diyAudio Chief Moderator Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Athens-Greece	Maybe you meant Vrms?

27th August 2006, 03:17 PM	#7
keungfai diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2006	sorry for my poor background of electronics.... What is a SPL meter? Thanks

27th August 2006, 05:20 PM	#8
Willitwork diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2006	SPL = Sound pressure level, measured in decibels at a given distance and axis from the speaker.

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