Input Sensitivity (Balanced)
Balanced input sensitivity is the voltage needed at a balanced line input to produce a stated output.
V rms denotes root-mean-square volts; mV means millivolts. Use the specified voltage across both signal conductors, not a per-leg value or twice the RCA figure. Lower sensitivity voltage means less required input for comparable output, not better sound.
Input Sensitivity (Balanced) — Power Amp
A power amp takes a preamp’s or variable-output source’s signal and drives speakers. If it requires 2 V rms for rated output at a stated load and gain, a source providing only 1 V rms cleanly cannot reach that output. Lower output still works.
A supported higher-gain setting reduces the required input voltage but can amplify more upstream noise. Compare the same output reference—rated power or, for example, 1 W—speaker load and gain or level-control settings. Gain describes how much the amplifier increases voltage.
Sources
- AHB2 manual: sensitivity and gain (pp. 9, 22–23) — Benchmark Media Systems
- MI502 manual: sensitivity and load (p. 10) — McIntosh
Input Sensitivity (Balanced) — Preamp
In a line preamp, sensitivity relates the source’s input voltage to the line output feeding a power amp. For example, 0.9 V sensitivity for 5 V output does not mean a 2 V source automatically overloads it.
Adjust volume or available gain for the required output, checking the separate maximum input level and output headroom: room before clipping or distortion. Compare the stated output voltage and connection, load, gain and volume conditions; never assume an unspecified control position. A phono input’s cartridge sensitivity belongs to a different stage.