How important is sensitivity when choosing a speaker?

So I am looking for some replacement speakers for my 2011 DCSB. I plan to use components in the front and coaxial in the back. I may add a powered subwoofer down the road, but ultimately these speakers will be powered by the stock (non JBL) head unit or maybe a future aftermarket (typical 50w x4) unit. SQ, range and accuracy are a concern, but I appreciate the limits of the stock HU. Price/Value is probably the highest priority.

Its been a while but the last time I bought speakers I went with Hertz Deci components. They have a 93db sensitivity.

How much of a priority do you place on speaker sensitivity when using them with a low power amplifier?

 

Honestly I only look at it when picking a subwoofer. Components never really need to get turned up enough to make it matter.

 

Among the highest priorities if using head unit power. Something to watch when considering sensitivity is that there are 2 rating methods - 2.83V/m and 1W/1m. If you're using the 2.83V method, subtract 3.5 dB to arrive at roughly the 1W/1m equivalent and vice versa. This translation varies a bit from driver to driver, but 3.5 dB is a good thumb rule. Sadly most manufacturers are using the 2.83V method anymore and don't specify which they used. If they don't specify, I'd just assume the 2.83V method.

 

Good info thanks. I am not surprised there is no standardization regarding specifications and ratings.

Is there any other way do infer what the driver efficiency is? In my experience more amp power is almost always better for sq (generalization, I know). Second that is an efficient driver with modest power. But the worst is a power hungry speaker with no power. Just awful...

 

Yes. If you can collect the needed T/S parameters and input them into WinISD it will calculate efficiency for you.