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When loudspeaker manufacturers print the acoustic specifications of their speakers, they often include a frequency response range. It might say 20Hz – 20kHz or it might include the variance within that range such as plus 1dB, -0.5dB. Those that don’t give the variance, are not really giving the user any useful information at all. Those that give the variance are providing real information, but for most listeners, getting into a numbers game on frequency response is pointless.

The typical young human ear, can hear sounds between 20 Hertz (20Hz) and 20,000 Hertz (20 kiloHertz, or 20 kHz). That range can be reduced, particularly at the upper end of the range, by any damage to the structures of the ear, by prolonged exposure to loud noises, or by aging. No matter how careful we are with our ears, we all age.

Most adults can’t hear the full range of a loudspeaker that runs from 20Hz to 20kHz. Yet, if they see a loudspeaker that doesn’t cover this full range, they scoff and walk away. Did you know for example that a “silent” dog whistle typically falls within the range of 16kHz to 22kHz. Much of that is within the optimum range of human hearing, yet the very name silent dog whistle gives evidence to the fact that most of us can’t hear it at all. By the time we are thirty years old, most of us can hear only as high as 12-14kHz and it can even go down from there.

At least one popular loudspeaker manufacturer claims that their speakers play up to an incredible 70kHz. Not only will no human ever hear most of this range, but even dogs can’t hear frequencies as high as 70kHz. The normal upper limit for a dog is about 60kHz. Making a loudspeaker that plays to 70kHz is overkill for any practical purpose other than training bats, which can hear ultrasonic frequencies well over 100kHz.

Loudspeaker manufacturers and consumers alike get too caught up in the numbers game when talking about their loudspeakers. What really matters is the sound. If you’re considering buying a set of loudspeakers, listen to them. Compare them to other speakers and choose the ones you like best. Even then there are a couple of pitfalls of which to beware. First, speakers in your home will sound different than the same speakers anywhere else. The room itself influences the acoustic presentation that reaches your ears. Each room has a distinct set of acoustic characteristics that modify sounds from any source, even the best speakers.

Second, be aware that some speaker manufacturers balance their speakers to cut through the noise of the retail sales floor. They may over emphasize the vocal and midrange frequencies or artificially boost the bass tones. While these tricks can make a speaker sound good at first listen, over as little as 30 minutes or even less, this unnatural balance can cause listening fatigue that grows increasingly abrasive and harsh sounding.

Whenever possible, audition speakers for a lengthy period of time to see if they begin to fatigue your ears. Better yet, find a retailer with a 30 day return policy so you can take them home and audition them in your own living room.