In speakers, what does Input Sensitivity (in mV) mean?

[raisonjohn]

I'm comparing specifications for a 2.1 channel speakers. Can anybody explain the Input Sensitivity specs? I came across some articles indicating that the input sensitivity is the rating measured in decibels (dB), however, in the speakers' websites I'm looking at, the unit of is in millivolts (mV).

For example,

Speaker 1:
"Satellite Input Sensitivity: 350mV +/- 50mV
Sub-Woofer Input Sensitivity: 80mV +/- 20mV"

Speaker 2:
"Satellite Input Sensitivity: 420mV +/- 50mV
Sub-Woofer Input Sensitivity: 60mV +/- 10mV"

What does these specs mean? Is the larger or smaller value better or worse? Is it related or unrelated to the speaker's Input Impedance, which is "10 Ohms"? Or the Signal-to-Noise Ration (SNR), which is ">= 85dBA" ?

 

[cdabc123]

ill make this simple if your budget is around 100 ge a set of klipsch promedia 2.1's they sound amazing

 

[raisonjohn]

Thanks for the simple suggestion, I know the promedia sounds great (although not available or hard to source in my location). However, I am interested to know the technical aspect of the Input Sensitivity rating.

The promedia's satellite speakers, as shown in it's product data has an Input Sensitivity of "85dB 1W/1m". Now, what does it mean compared to an Input Sensitivity of the Edifier S530D's satellites which are "600mV +/- 50mV"? How do we convert the units?

 

[cdabc123]

ok if i remember right this is just the scaling of the speakers volume. the larger the number the slower it scales to that volume and the smaller the quicker. that number wont have any impact on the sound the produce and will only limit how load they get if the computer cannot provide that single (you wont need to worry about this)