Input Sensitivity (Unbalanced)
Unbalanced input sensitivity is the voltage needed at an unbalanced line input, usually RCA, to produce a specified output.
V means volts; mV means millivolts. A smaller sensitivity figure means less input voltage is needed for the same output under comparable conditions. It does not mean better sound. Use the manufacturer’s unbalanced figure rather than assuming it is half the XLR value.
Input Sensitivity (Unbalanced) — Power Amp
A power amp receives a preamp’s or variable-output source’s signal and drives speakers. If 2 V is needed for rated power at a stated load and gain, a source supplying only 1 V cleanly cannot reach that power. It can still produce lower output.
A supported higher-gain setting increases amplification and reduces the input voltage needed. Compare figures at the same speaker load, gain and level-control settings. Check the output reference too: sensitivity for 1 W is not sensitivity for full rated power.
Sources
- MI502: sensitivity at different speaker loads (p. 10) — McIntosh
- AHB2: sensitivity and gain settings — Benchmark Media Systems
Input Sensitivity (Unbalanced) — Preamp
A line preamp receives the source’s signal at its RCA input and sends a line output to the power amp. Here, 450 mV sensitivity for 2.5 V output describes those input and output voltages, not speaker power. A 2 V source does not automatically overload it.
Set volume or available gain as documented. Check the separate maximum input level and how much output remains clean before distortion. Compare the specified output connection, load and gain/volume conditions; do not invent missing settings. Phono sensitivity belongs to the cartridge-input stage and cannot substitute.