How to Read Product Specifications Like a Pro
Specs are meaningless without context. Learn what common technical terms actually mean and how they translate to real-world performance.
Audio Specifications
Decibels (dB)
Loudness is logarithmic. 85dB is noticeably louder than 80dB, but 100dB is not "20% louder" than 85dB—it's perceived as dramatically louder. SPL (Sound Pressure Level) matters for headphones; THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) reveals audio quality at volume.
Frequency Response (Hz)
20Hz-20kHz is the human hearing range. Specs claiming 5Hz-40kHz are marketing—you can't hear those. What matters: consistent response across 100Hz-10kHz (where music and speech live).
Impedance (Ohms)
Determines how much power an audio device needs. 32 ohm headphones are easier to drive from phones; 250 ohm requires dedicated amplifiers. Higher impedance ≠ better quality.
Lighting Specifications
Lumens: Brightness output. 500 lumens is workable desk lighting; 1000+ is bright room lighting. Kelvin (K): Color temperature. 2700K is warm/yellow; 5000K is cool/blue. Personal preference matters—test before buying.