Have you ever noticed a little number with "dB" written next to it when you were reviewing some earphones? They are usually overshadowed by other numbers, but these little guys deserve attention too. This number represents the sensitivity of the earphones, which is basically an indicator of the loudness, based on the power output of the device you are using to play your audio on.
What is Sensitivity?
Sensitivity is basically a measurement of power, or how much power is needed, to generate certain volumes of sound with your earphones. The higher the sensitivity, the louder the volume, on average. If you are using a device with lower output power than earphones that require a higher output power, you might find yourself raising the volume more than usual, and still not being super happy with the results.
An Average Range to Aim For
Average wired earphones will typically range anywhere between 90 dB to 110 dB, with some variation based on the kind of earphones you are using.
Anything over 100 dB is generally very loud.
Anything under 90 dB may require a hefty amount of power to sound good.
Anything in between is probably a healthy range for general use with your phone.
Not Everything is Better With a Higher Sensitivity, Though
Don't think of this as a race to reach the highest possible sensitivity. Sometimes earphones may have a sensitivity that is way too high, meaning hissing noises may sound slightly amplified. On the other hand, earphones with low sensitivities may not sound as robust, and may require a source with high power output.
It's best to find a happy medium based on your needs, and not just go blindly for the loudest option.
How do We View Sensitivity?
As mentioned above, sensitivity isn't really something we view independently. Along with impedance and overall tuning, we take sensitivity into account when building our earphones. The ideal target is to create earphones with a good body to their sound, that will be able to sound good straight out of your device, without relying on extra electronics.
At Elver, we think that good audio should be effortless. That is why we focus on the subtle technical details which allow us to bring you the pleasure of everyday listening, without complicating the overall experience. After all, you should not need to be an expert in audio engineering to enjoy your daily listens
Conclusion
Now you know why sensitivity is important, and what you should keep in mind when looking at the specifications for a new set of earphones! This isn't necessarily something that will dictate your preference for earphones, as taste is a very subjective thing, but it will explain to you how they will behave depending on your needs.
After all, it's the little details that make all of the difference!
