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Glossary
Active: Uses electrical power.
Amplifier: An electronic device that increases the cur-
rent and/or voltage of a signal, providing power to the
loudspeakers (i.e. power amplifier, integrated amplifier,
receiver).
Bass: The range of audio frequencies below 180Hz,
characterized by low pitch.
Crossover: An electronic circuit that divides an audio
signal into different frequency ranges.
Distortion: Any deviation from the original signal.
Driver: The moving part of a loudspeaker, which radiates
sound energy.
Dynamics: Variations in loudness of sound.
Frequency: A rate of vibration, which corresponds to
musical pitch, expressed in Hertz (Hz).
Full Range: A signal encompassing the entire audible
frequency spectrum.
Hertz (Hz): A unit equal to one cycle per second, used to
measure the frequency of a signal or sound.
High-Pass Filter: A filter that passes only high frequen-
cies above a lower limit.
Impedance: A measure of the total opposition to current
flow in an alternating current circuit, measured in ohms.
In Phase: The polarity of an audio signal when connect-
ed as follows: (+) to (+) and (-) to (-).
Integrated Amplifier: A preamplifier and amplifier built
into one chassis.
Interconnect Cable: A length of shielded wire with plugs
at both ends for feeding signals from one electronic
device to another.
L.F.E.: "Low Frequency Effects"; The .1 channel of infor-
mation recorded on most multichannel digital sound for-
mats.
Line-Level Connection: Low level RCA/phono or XLR
type connection.
Load: A term used to describe the impedance that a
speaker presents to an amplifier.
Low-Pass Filter: A filter that passes only low frequen-
cies below a higher limit.
Main Speakers: Front L & R channel speakers, some-
times referred to as satellites.
Main-In: A line-level RCA/XLR power amplifier input on
the back of a receiver, integrated amplifier or power
amplifier.
Midrange: The frequency span in the middle of the audio
range, roughly 180Hz - 3000Hz. Also used to describe
the driver that reproduces these frequencies.
Ohm: A unit of electrical resistance. That which opposes
an electric current in a conductor. In audio, a measure of
the load presented by a device to an electrical source.
Out-of-Phase: The polarity of an audio signal when
connected as follows: (+) to (-) and (-) to (+).
Passive: Uses no electrical power.
Phase: An expression of the relative polarities of two sig-
nals.
Power Handling: The ability of a loudspeaker to operate
without large increases in distortion when given varying
amounts of input power.
Preamplifier: An electronic device that selects sources
and passes line-level signals to an amplifier.
Pre-Out: A preamp line-level RCA output on the back of
a receiver, integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Receiver: A preamplifier, amplifier and tuner built into
one chassis.
Satellite: Front L & R speakers when used with a sub-
woofer. Also referred to as "main speakers".
Sensitivity: A ratio of voltage across the speaker load to
the acoustic power output, measured in decibels.
Sub Out: An line level output for connection to a sub-
woofer or subwoofer signal processor.
Subwoofer: A driver designed to operate over the low
bass portion of the audio range. Also refers to a system
consisting of a woofer and its enclosure, which are phys-
ically separate from the upper range loudspeakers.
Surround Speakers: Speakers located in the side or
rear for surround channel effects.
Treble: The upper part of the frequency spectrum, con-
sisting of frequencies above about 3000Hz.
Tweeter: A small driver designed to reproduce high fre-
quencies.
Watt: A measure of electrical power, combining the volt-
age with the electrical current required to drive the loud-
speaker.
Weight: Low frequencies below 50Hz.
Woofer: A driver designed to operate over the bass por-
tion of the audio range.