Frequency Response
Frequency response describes how a component’s output level varies across frequency.
A quoted frequency range needs its level tolerance, such as ±3 dB or −6 dB, to show what the endpoints mean. A wider range with a looser tolerance is not directly comparable to a narrower, flatter range.
Frequency Response — Power Amp
For a power amplifier, the response describes the amplified electrical output across frequency. The connected load and output level can affect the result.
Compare the same load, level and tolerance. A small-signal bandwidth does not establish full-power output throughout that range.
Frequency Response — Headphone Amp
For a headphone amplifier, response describes the electrical signal delivered to the headphone load. Output impedance and the headphone’s impedance curve can affect the combined response.
Keep the stated load and level with the range. The amplifier’s electrical response does not describe the headphone’s acoustic response at the ear.
Frequency Response — Step-Up Transformer (SUT)
For a step-up transformer, response describes cartridge-signal transfer across frequency. Cartridge source impedance, secondary loading and the selected transformer connection influence the result.
Compare ranges at the same stated loading and connection, retaining the tolerance. A very wide unloaded range does not establish the response with a particular cartridge and phono input.
Frequency Response — Crossover
For an active crossover, response can describe overall bandwidth or the response of a particular filtered output. The chosen crossover settings determine which frequencies each output carries.
Keep the output path and settings attached to the measurement. An intentionally rolled-off branch is not evidence that the entire crossover lacks that frequency range.
Frequency Response — Cartridge
For a cartridge, response describes the electrical output produced by a test record across frequency. Loading and the measurement conditions influence the curve.
Prefer a range with an explicit tolerance when comparing cartridges. A wider range without tolerance does not demonstrate flatter response, and the range alone says nothing about tracking ability.
Frequency Response — MC Head Amp
For a phono head amp, response describes the cartridge-level gain stage before RIAA equalization. The selected gain and electrical loading can affect the stated range.
Retain the gain setting and tolerance with the measurement. Do not interpret a head amp’s flat response as the equalized response of a complete phono preamplifier.
Frequency Response — Subwoofer
For a subwoofer, response describes its acoustic output through the bass range. Roll-off, enclosure tuning and any operating mode affect the stated limits.
Compare the same endpoint tolerance and measurement conditions. A room can change the response substantially, so a free-field lower limit does not predict the exact response at the listening seat.
Frequency Response — Reel-to-Reel
For a reel-to-reel deck, response describes recorded or reproduced level across frequency. Tape speed, tape formulation and recording level are important conditions.
Compare the same speed, tape and test level, and distinguish playback-only from record/playback results. A high-frequency limit measured at low recording level does not imply equal headroom at higher levels.
Frequency Response — Tape Deck
For a cassette deck, response describes playback or the complete record/playback path. Tape type and recording level can change the usable high-frequency range.
Keep the tape type, level and noise-reduction setting with the result. Do not compare a playback-only range directly with a record/playback measurement.
Frequency Response — Super Tweeter
For a super tweeter, response describes acoustic output in its intended high-frequency band. Its lower limit helps identify where it may overlap the main loudspeaker.
Compare the tolerance and measurement conditions, together with the required crossover. A wide upper extension does not establish suitable output or protection at lower frequencies.
Frequency Response — Preamp
For a preamplifier, this response applies to the analogue line stage. Input and output loading, level and connector path can affect the measurement.
Compare the same line-stage path and tolerance. Phono equalization accuracy and a built-in DAC’s response describe different signal paths and should remain separate.
Frequency Response — Loudspeaker
For a loudspeaker, response describes acoustic output versus frequency under stated measurement conditions. The result can change with listening angle, distance and placement.
Compare the same tolerance and measurement basis. A frequency range alone omits peaks, dips and off-axis behavior, so identical endpoints do not imply identical tonal balance.
Frequency Response — Headphone
For headphones, response describes acoustic output measured with a specified fixture and fit. Ear coupling, seal and positioning strongly influence the result.
Compare measurements using a compatible fixture and presentation. Bare frequency endpoints do not show tonal balance, and an electrical amplifier response cannot substitute for an acoustic headphone measurement.
Frequency Response — Tuner
For a tuner, response describes the recovered audio over the selected reception mode. Broadcast-band limitations and stereo processing affect the result.
Keep the band, mono/stereo mode and tolerance with the range. Audio bandwidth does not describe tuning range or the tuner’s ability to separate adjacent stations.
Frequency Response — DAC
For a DAC, this response concerns the analogue line output. Sample rate, reconstruction filtering and the selected RCA or XLR path can affect the upper-frequency behavior.
Compare the same sample rate, output path and tolerance. A filter passband or DAC-chip specification alone does not establish the finished component’s line-output response.
Frequency Response — Equalizer
For an equalizer, response can describe its baseline bandwidth or the curve produced by chosen controls. Boosts and cuts are intentional changes to level versus frequency.
Compare the same bypass or flat-control condition and tolerance. A bandwidth measurement with controls flat does not describe the range or shape of the available adjustments.