Comparison RCF ART 745-A vs Yamaha DSR-115

The crossover frequency provided in the speaker design.

A crossover is installed exclusively in a multi-band model (see "Number of Bands"). This is an electronic filter that ensures the division of the incoming audio signal into separate frequency ranges and directs each range to "its" set of speakers. And the crossover frequency shows where the boundary between these ranges lies. If there are more than two bands, there will be several such boundaries: for example, for a four-band system it may be specified "0.15 / 0.8 / 2.8 kHz" or "0.12 / 1 / 3.8".

In most cases, this parameter has mainly a reference value: the frequencies of the built-in crossover are selected to match the operating characteristics of the speakers installed in the speaker system.

The total rated power of all speaker components, in other words, the sum of the powers of all speakers. As a nominal one, they usually indicate the highest average (rms) power at which acoustics can operate for a long time without overloads and damage. In this case, individual power surges can significantly exceed this value, however, it is the rated power that is the main characteristic of any speaker.

First of all, the sound volume depends on this characteristic: the more powerful the speakers, the louder the sound they can produce if there is a suitable amplifier. In addition, in passive and passive-active models, compatibility with an external amplifier also depends on the power: the output power of the “amplifier” should not exceed the power of the acoustics connected to it, otherwise overloads and even breakdowns are possible.

Detailed recommendations regarding the choice of speakers for power for a particular situation can be found in special sources. However, in general, an indicator of up to 100 W by the standards of modern acoustics is considered quite modest, 100 – 200 W — average, 200 – 300 W — above average, and the most powerful sets give out up to 500 W or even more.

In conclusion, we note two more nuances. Firstly, when comparing different systems according to this ch...aracteristic, one must also take into account the sound format in which they work. In particular, if there is a subwoofer, it can account for a significant part of the total power — up to half or more. As a result, for example, a 2.1 set of 50 W with a 20-watt subwoofer at the main frequencies will not be able to pull out the same volume as a 40-watt 2.0 system: in the first case, each main channel will have only 15 watts, in the second — 20 watts. Secondly, in multichannel systems, the total power can be distributed among the channels in different proportions; so, say, two 5.1 systems with the same total power can differ markedly in front and rear balance at maximum volume.

The total frequency range that the speaker is capable of reproducing. Specified from the bottom of the range in the lowest frequency component to the top of the range in the highest frequency: for example, in a 2.1 system with main speakers at 100 – 22000 Hz and a subwoofer at 20 – 150 Hz, the total value will be 20 – 22000 Hz.

The wider the frequency range — the fuller the reproduced sound, the lower the likelihood that some part of the low or high frequencies will be "cut off". It is worth noting here that the human ear perceives frequencies on average from 16 Hz to 22 kHz, and from a practical point of view, it makes no sense to provide a wider frequency range in speakers. However, quite a few models go beyond this range, sometimes quite significantly (for example, there are speakers with a range of about 10 – 50,000 Hz). Such characteristics are a kind of "side effect" of high-end acoustics, and they are usually given for advertising purposes.

Thus, the lower limit of the range in modern speakers can be within frequencies up to 20 Hz, however, higher values \u200b\u200bare more common — 30 – 40 Hz, 40 – 50 Hz, or even more than 70 Hz. In turn, the upper limit in most modern speakers lies in the range 19 – 22 kHz, although there are deviations both upwards (see above) and downwards.

The diameter of the tweeter (speakers) speakers. Since size primarily affects the range of the speaker (as the diameter increases, the operating frequencies decrease), in HF components it can be quite small. More detailed information can be found in special sources.

The material from which the cabinets of the speakers included in the speakers are made. Not only the appearance, but also the sound characteristics depend on this parameter. The most common options are:

— MDF(Medium Density Fiberboard — medium density fibreboard). The most popular material today, found in almost all price categories. At a rather low price, MDF has good acoustic characteristics, almost as good as natural wood.

— Tree. Wood can be classified as a premium material: it looks nicer than MDF, but in terms of acoustic properties it does not have significant advantages, but is noticeably more expensive. Because of this, this material is found mainly among high-end speakers designed for demanding users.

— Plastic. Plastic is low cost and easy to process. Its acoustic properties are worse than those of MDF and, moreover, wood; however, this shortcoming can be easily compensated for. So such cases are very popular nowadays, they are found even in high-end speakers.

— Metal. Most often, metal speaker cabinets are made of aluminium alloys. This provides an elegant appearance, in addition, such cases are very durable, reliable and are not afraid of scratches, dirt and moisture. On the other hand, metal is not cheap, and in some models it gives the sound a specific coloration that may not be to every...one's liking. To eliminate this effect, various design tricks can be applied, which, again, additionally affect the cost.

Note that for systems with a subwoofer (2.1, 5.1, etc., see “Number of channels”), this parameter specifies the material of the main speakers, while the subwoofer is in most cases made of MDF.

The total weight of all components of the speaker system.