Let's say the sensitivity is based on CEA-2006 standards and, all else being equal, still the statement isn't true at all? So it's best to focus on other factors rather than subwoofer sensitivity?No.
1) Sensitivity ratings need to be taken with a huge grain of salt. What impedance are they using? Is it specified at 1W/1m, or 2.83V at whatever distance they want? Make sure you're comparing values on the same scale.
2) Power compression. Once you put enough power into a speaker, at some point you'll no longer have a linear increase in SPL.
3) Probably won't matter with only a 3dB difference in sensitivity, but if you're looking at a large difference (85 to 95, for example), the enclosure requirements will likely be different as a lot of different tradeoffs were made in the design.
Let's say the sensitivity is based on CEA-2006 standards and' date=' all else being equal, still the statement isn't true at all? So it's best to focus on other factors rather than subwoofer sensitivity?
I've always thought sensitivity ratings were a big deal, as the higher they are, the less power you need for high SPL. Right?[/quote']
I wouldn't look at sensitivity when comparing car audio subwoofers.
Let's say the sensitivity is based on CEA-2006 standards and' date=' all else being equal, still the statement isn't true at all? So it's best to focus on other factors rather than subwoofer sensitivity?
I've always thought sensitivity ratings were a big deal, as the higher they are, the less power you need for high SPL. Right?[/quote']
CEA-2006 is an amplifier rating standard. Manufacturers can play whatever kind of snake oil games they want to on speakers. But even assuming the ratings are equal, you aren't going to beat power compression. Get the magnets hot enough, and you simply can't sustain a linear relationship between how much power you throw at the speaker and how much SPL is the result...
Subwoofer design is a balance of many factors. While very-high sensitivity subs can be really good for SPL (original Strokers being the prime example, as they were derived from PA speakers), they often require tradeoffs that customers are unwilling to make. Like refrigerator-sized enclosures.
The end result is this...I wouldn't look at sensitivity when comparing car audio subwoofers.