Can i trust quoted sensitivities when it comes to shopping for subs?

For example, i am looking at the IDQ and HX subs. everyone always says that power figures should be ignored and that sensitivity is the key thing, and this makes perfect sense to me. On paper the Hertz sub has a greater sensitivity than the IDQ, does that mean that it is going to be louder at any given input power?

The IDQ's quoted sensitivity is not all that great, but everyone seems to think they are very loud.i havent had the chance to hear either of these subs yet, but even if i do it is likely that they will be run off different amps with different gains, so its hard to tell.

Thanks

I think generally an SPL sub will have better sensitivity and SQ subs lower sensitivity but that's not concrete. You should guage what type of enclosure your looking for also (sealed small or ported medium to large) and add that into your equation.

I had my Treo in a factory recommended 1cu ft sealed enclosure and it was very quiet, i threw it in a custom 1.8cu ft ported box and it has come alive in a big way!

IMO sensitivity is not the only calculation to base your decision on, it's the total package.

Fats - my brother bought a IDQ sub from FHRX. It will be in this week so i might be able to arrange for you to listen to it. Of course your welcome to listen to the Treo anytime.

Sensitivity and RMS are key factors in buying a Sub Aswell as the TSP for it..

yes u can trust quoted specs from most high end companies...

But good sensitivity and RMS doesnt mean a sub will sound good. There are many other factors (cone weight/moving mass, motor strength, magnet structure, basket strength, excursion, cooling, etc etc.) on paper a sub can look awesome, the only real way to find out is to hear it for yourself.

peace

Tim

yeah, i know there is definately more to the sound, i am just thinking volume/watt here. just because demoing subs will not always be with the same amp and gain, you know what i mean.

I wouldn't take much notice of it. I auditioned the Hertz HXS300 with 100db sens and both the Crossfire XT and Boston G5 are louder ( they are under 88db ) with the G5 definately being the best sounding. *Note that all where in there recommended ported enclosures.

The better effienicy sub will however need less power to run them, they will get blown away at a decent power level though.

You are better off looking at the magnet, the bigger the better! ( not the plastic bits either)