What is a loudspeaker?

"Loudspeakers" (also known as loud speakers or just speakers) are basically devices which convert an electrical signal into sound. As the final link in the sound reproduction chain they tend to be the most limiting and therefore most import factor...which is why audiophiles and engineers demand the best.

Design and construction

There are several different types of speaker designs and construction methods including sealed (or closed), reflex (or ported), horn and transmission line. Each has their pros and cons and is favoured by different listeners depending on their sound characteristics. Discussions about which type is best can get quite lively but at the end of the day it's the sound that reaches your ears and how it sounds to you that matters.

A speaker enclosure contains "drivers" (also known as transducers) which either cover the full audio spectrum or are dedicated to specific portions of it. Components typically include a woofer (low frequencies), mid range and tweeter (high frequencies). A "subwoofer" is dedicated to very low frequencies and is usually contained in a separate enclosure.

A quick guide to specifications i.e. cutting through the jargon

Here are some of the more common terms you'll hear and what they actually mean...

Rated power (also called continuous or nominal power): The amount of power a speaker can handle before damage occurs.

Frequency Response: The range of frequencies a speaker can reproduce within a specified variance limit.

Sensitivity: The volume (or sound pressure level) produced with 1 watt of input. Also referred to as "efficiency" it determines how loud the speaker will be when compared to other speakers driven by the same input level, from the same amplifier.

Impedance: Basically the resistance a speaker gives to the signal from an amplifier. Impedance is usually rated at 4 to 8 ohms. It's good policy to check the impedance rating to ensure it matches the rating for the amp you will be using. For example the JBL Stage A180 has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms so should be paired with an amplifier where that rating falls within the amp's recommended range.

Crossovers: A crossover is an electronic circuit that filers an audio signal into specific bands of frequencies. Its job is to ensure that loud-speakers designed to reproduce a certain frequency range only receive those frequencies. For example a woofer won't be trying to reproduce high frequencies.

The JBL range of outdoor & indoor loudspeakers

As the company responsible for providing concert sound at venues such as Woodstock and The Kennedy Center, as well as professional monitors in recording studios around the world...JBL have the experience and know-how in loudspeaker design that no other brands in the Philippines can match. Check out the full range of bookshelf, floor standing, home theater, in-wall/ceiling and wireless models at an authorized dealer near you.