NHT SA-3 owner manual „ Glossary of Terms

„Glossary of Terms

Active: Uses electrical power.

Amplifier: An electronic device that increases the current of a signal, providing power to the loudspeakers (i.e. power amplifier, integrated amplifier, receiver).

Bass: The range of audio frequencies below 160Hz, characterized by low pitch.

Crossover: An electronic circuit that divides an audio signal into different frequency ranges.

Distortion: Any deviation from the original signal, caused by any type of equipment.

Driver: The moving part of a loudspeaker which radiates energy.

Dynamics: Variations in loudness of sound.

Frequency: A rate of vibration which corresponds to musical pitch in the audio band, expressed in Hertz (Hz).

Full Range: A signal encompassing the entire frequency spectrum, not filtered above or below a certain frequency.

Hertz (Hz): A unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second, used to measure the frequency of a signal or sound.

High-Pass Filter: A filter that passes only frequencies above a certain lower limit; electronically removes low frequen- cies from a full range signal.

Impedance: A measure of the total opposition to current flow in an alternating current circuit, described in ohms.

In Phase: The polarity of an audio signal when connected as follows: (+) to (+) and (-) to (-).

Integrated Amplifier: Has preamplifier and amplifier built into one chassis.

Interconnect Cable: A length of shielded wire with plugs at both ends for feeding signals from one electronic device to another.

Line-Level Connection: Low level RCA/phono type connection.

Load: A term used to describe the impedance which a speaker presents to an amplifier.

Low-Pass Filter: A filter that passes only frequencies below a certain upper limit; electronically removes high frequen- cies from a full range signal.

Main Speakers: Front L & R channel speakers, sometimes referred to as satellites.

Midrange: The frequency span of the middle of the audio range, roughly 160Hz - 3000Hz. Also used to describe the driver which reproduces these frequencies.

Ohm: A unit of electrical resistance; that which opposes an electric current in a conductor. In audio, a measure of the load presented by a device to an electrical source.

Out-of-Phase:The polarity of an audio signal when connected as follows: (+) to (-) and (-) to (+).

Passive: Uses no electrical power.

Phase: An expression of the relative polarities of two identical signals.

Power Handling: The ability of a loudspeaker to operate without distortion when given varying amounts of wattage.

Preamplifier: An electronic device that selects sources and passes line-level signal to amplifier.

Receiver: Has preamplifier, amplifier and tuner built into one chassis.

Satellite: Front L & R speakers when used with a subwoofer. Referred to as “main speakers”.

Sensitivity (same as efficiency): A measure of how much of the input electrical energy is converted into sound ener- gy, measured in decibels.

Signal: The series of continually changing electrical voltages that correspond to variations in the loudness of the origi- nal sound.

Speaker-Level Connection: The connection between a loudspeaker and an amplifier.

Subwoofer: A driver designed to operate over the low bass portion of the audio range. Also refers to a system con- sisting of a woofer and its enclosure which are physically separate from the upper range loudspeakers.

Surround Speakers: Speakers located in the side or rear for surround channel effects.

Treble: The upper part of the frequency spectrum, consisting of frequencies above about 1300Hz.

Tweeter: A small driver designed to reproduce high frequencies.

Watt: A measure of electrical power, combining the voltage with the electrical current required to drive the loudspeaker.

Weight: Low frequencies below 50Hz.

Woofer: A driver designed to operate over the bass portion of the audio range.

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