fS : 9551 ( Part III ) - 1979

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO
EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS

PART III LOUDSPEAKERS

Acoustics Sectional Committee, LTDC 5

Chairman
DR M. PANCHOLY
Emeritus Scientist
National Physical Laboratory
New Delhi

Members Representing
DR K. ACHYUTHAN Ministry of Defence ( R & D )
SHRI R. S. Vonna (Alternate)
SHRI I. S. AIIUJA Ahuja Radios, New Delhi
COL T. R. B~ALOTRA Ministry of Defence ( DGI )
LT-COL KISHAN LAL CAlternate1
DsA.F. CHHAPGAR ’ ’ Natizedi Physical Laboratory ( CSIR ), New

DR T. K. SAXESA (Alternate)
DR R. C. CHOPRA Department of Electronics, New Delhi
SHRI S.KALIDAS Rail;zThiBoard ( Ministry of Railways ), New

SHRI V. JAITAI~AYAN ( Altesuate )

SHRIJ.S.MONGA Bolton Industrial Corporation, New Delhi
SHRI M. S. MoNaa (Alternate)
SHRI P.R.MULCHANDANI Electronic Component Industries Association,
New Delhi
SH~IJ. S. MoNaA (Alternate)
SHRIP. S. MULLICK Directorate General of Civil Aviation, New Delhi
&IT V. RATNAVATI (Alternate )
DR (KIJMARI)S~AILAJANIKAM All India Institute of Speech and Hearing,
Mysore
SHRIK.D.PAVATE Central Electronics Engineering Research Insti-
tute ( CSIR ), Pilani
SHRI M. R. KAPOOR ( Alternate )

( Continued on page 2 )

@ Copyright 1980
INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION
This publication is protected under the Indian Copyright Act ( XIV of 1957 ) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of the
publisher shall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.
IS t 9551 ( Part 111) - 1979

Members Representing
SRRI A. V. RAMANAN Films Division, Bombay
RESEARCH ENQINEEI~ Directorate General of All India Radio,
New Delhi
SHRI M. SANKARALINQAM Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals
( Inspection Wing )
SRRI J. S. PASSI ( Altentntc )
SENIOR SURVEYOR OF WORKS Central Public Works Department, New Delhi
( FOOD)
SURVEYOR OB WORKS ( FOOD ) ( Alternate )
SHRI M. N. SHUKLA Posts & Telegraphs Department, New Delhi
SHRI S. K. TANDAN ( Alternate )
SERI K. SITARAMA RAO Indian Telephone Industries Ltd, Bangalore
SRRI B. S. NARAYAN ( Altemate )
SERI L. K. VISHWANATH Peico Electronics & Electricals Ltd, Bombay; and
The Radio Electronics & Television Manufac-
turers’ Association, Bombay
SHRI R. R. IYER ( Alternate ) Peico Electronics & Electricals Ltd, Bombay
SRRI D. P. SHARMA ( Alternate) The Radio Electronics & Television Manufac-
turers’ Association, Bombay
SHRI R. C. JATN, Director General, IS1 ( Ex-@cio Member )
Head ( Electronics )

SARI PAVAN KUMAR

Assistant Director ( Electronics ), IS1

Panel for Sound System, LTDC 5 : P6

Convener
DR M. PANGHOLY
Emeritus Scientist
National Ghy;i;calk;boratory
e

SHRI K. G. AJWANI Peico Electronics & Electricals Ltd, Bombay

SARI 1. S. MONQA Bolton Industrial Corporation. New Delhi
S”a~r M: S. MONC+A( Alternate )
SERI K. D. PAVATE Central Electronics Engineering Research
Institute ( CSIR ), Pilani
RESEARCB ENIXNEER Directorate General of All India Radio, New
Delhi
SBRI D. P. SEARMA The Radio Electronics & Television Manufactu-
rers’ Association, Bombay

2
 IS : 9551 ( Part III ) - 1979

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO
EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS
PART III LOUDSPEAKERS

0. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard ( Part III ) was adopted by the Indian
Standards Institution on 31 December 1979, after the draft finalized by
the Acoustics Sectional Committee had been approved by the Electronics
and Telecommunication Division Council.
0.2 Specifications for high-fidelity audio equipment and systems are being
covered in a series of standards consisting of the following individual
parts:
Part I General
Part II Amplifiers
Part III Loudspeakers
Part IV Record playing equipment and cartridges
Part V Magnetic sound tape recording and reproducing equip-
ment
Part VI Microphones
Part VII Headphones
Part VIII Radio tuner equipment
0.2.1 This part ( Part III ) covers the performance requirements for
loudspeakers to be used in high-fidelity audio equipment and systems.
0.3 While preparing this standard, assistance has been derived from the
following:
IEC 29B ( Secretariat ) 133 High-fidelity audio equipment and sys-
terns. Minimum performance requirements : Part 7 Loud-
speakers. International Electrotechnical Commission.
DIN 45500 Blatt 7-1971 Hi-Fi techniques. Requirements for loud-
speakers. Deutsches Institut fur Normung ( DIN ).
0.4 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this
standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated,

3
IS I 9551 ( Part III ) - 1979

expressing the result of a test, shall be rounded off in accordance with

IS : 2-1960*. The number of significant places retained in the rounded
off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this
standard.

1. SCOPE

1.1 This standard ( Part III ) specifies the performance requirements for
loudspeakers to be used in high-fidelity audio equipment and systems.

1.1.1 This standard applies to loudspeakers and loudspeaker systems,

which are provided with a sound conduction device ( for example,
acoustical enclosure ).
1.1.2 It also applies to loudspeakers and loudspeaker systems without
such a device. In such cases, the suitable sound conduction device, for
which they are intended, shall be described fully and clearly and together
with this device the performance requirements have to be fulfilled.
NOTE - The principle of sound excitation, the kind of conduction and the set-
up and number of built-in loudspeakers are optional.

2. TERMINOLOGY

2.0 For the purpose of this standard, the terms and definitions specified
in IS : 1885 ( Part III/Set 2 )-19667 and IS : 7741 (Part I )-1975$, in
addition to the following, shall apply.

2.1 Mean Characteristics Sound Pressure - The square root of the

arithmetic mean of the squares of the characteristic sound pressures from
all frequency bands in the rated frequency range of the loudspeakers.

2.2 Mean Characteristic Sound Pressure Level - The mean charac-

teristic sound pressure, expressed in decibels, relative to the standard
reference sound pressure ( 2 x lo-5Pa ).

3. GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR MEASUREMENTS

3.0 Provisions of IS : 9302 ( Part I )-1979$ and 3 of IS : 7741 (Part I )-

1975$, in addition to the following, shall apply.

*Rules for rounding off numerical values ( renised).

tElectrotechnica1 vocabulary : Part III Acoustics, Section 2 Acoustical and electro-
acoustical system.
fSpecification for loudspeakers : Part 1 General requirements and tests.
SCharacteristic and methods of measurement for sound system equipment ; Part I
General.

4
 1s : 9551 ( Part r1I: ) - 1979

3.1 Measurements shall be made with pink noise in combination with

l/3 octave filters, unless otherwise stated, and should be referred to a
distance of 1 m. The longer axis of a loudspeaker system is considered as
the vertical axis, unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer.

3.2 Owing to the existence of many types of loudspeakers with different

acoustical properties and intended for different acoustical environment, it
is not possible to specify a single standard acoustical environment in which
the tests may be carried out. The manufacturer shall, therefore, specify this
environment, selecting from the following:
a) 4x freejeld - According to 2.3 of IS : 7741 ( Part I )-1975*.
b) 2x steradianfield - Under consideration.

If necessary, the results of measurements in a 4~ free field can be

converted into those for a 2~ steradian field or vice versa with the aid of
the conversion formula and graph of Appendix A. It shall be stated,
whether the published data are obtained by direct measurements in a 2x
steradian field or a 4~ free field respectively or by conversion.

3.3 Measurement in reverberant conditions and the relevant performance

specifications are under consideration.

3.4 The manufacturer should specify the loudspeaker with respect to

measurements in the sound field, which is more appropriate to the
intended use of the loudspeaker, that is, 2~c steradian field for wall or shelf
mounting loudspeakers and 47~ free field for free standing loudspeakers.

4. CLIMATIC CATEGORIZATION

4.1 Provisions of 4 of IS : 7741 ( Part I )-1975* shall apply.

5. DIMENSIONS

5.1 The dimensions of the loudspeakers shall be checked for conformity

with the values specified in the drawings supplied by the manufacturer.
The mounting dimensions shall be chosen from IS : 2382-1970t.

6. MARKING

6.1 Provisions of 5 of IS : 7741 ( Part I )-1975* shall apply. In addition

the effective frequency range and the word ‘ Hi-fi ’ should be clearly
marked.

*Specification for loudspeakers : Part I General requirements and tests.

$Recommended mounting dimensions of loudspeakers (Jirst revision ).
IS : 9551 ( Part III ) - 1979

7. INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE MANUFACTURER

7.1 Provisions of Appendix B of IS : 7741 ( Part I )-1975* shall apply.

8. WORKMANSHIP AND FINISH

8.1 Provisions of 6 of IS : 7741 ( Part I )-1975* shall apply.

9. TESTS

9.1 Classification of Tests

9.1.1 Tyje Tests - Unless otherwise specified the manufacturer shall

submit samples for type tests. The sequence of type tests shall be as given
in Appendix B.

9.1.1.1 Criteria for albproval - All the samples subjected to type tests
shall meet the requirements as specified. In case of failure in any test(s)
the testing authority shall call for twice the number of samples for retest.
No failure is permitted on the retest(s).

9.1.2 Acceptance Tests - The samples for acceptance tests shall be

subjected to the following tests and shall meet the requirements specified:

4 Visual examination,
b) Frequency response,
4 Mean characteristic sound pressure level,
4 Effective frequency range,
e) Difference between the frequency response of loudspeakers for
stereo phony,
f 1 Directional response,
g) Characteristic total harmonic distortion,
W Characteristic sensitivity level,
j> Impedance, and
k) Musical power handling capacity.
9.1.2.1 SamFling and criteria for approval - The sampling procedure
and the criteria for conformity shall be in accordance with Appendix B
of IS : 7741 (Part I )-1975*.

*Specification for loudspeakers : Part I General requirements and tests.

6
 IS I 9551( Part III) l 1979

9.1.3 Routine Tests - Each loudspeakers shall be subjected to the

following tests and shall conform to the requirements specified:
a) Visual examination, and
b) Gliding tone.

9.2 Characteristics and Requirements

9.2.1 The characteristics, methods of measurement and the require-
ments to be met are given in Table 1.
 I
TABLE 1 CHARACTERISTICS AND REQUIREMENTS
( Clause 9.2.1 )
SL CHARACTERIBTIO METHOD ox ADDITIONS/CONDITIONSFOR REQUIREIWWJ!
No. MEASUREMENT, MEASUREMENT
REF TO CL IN
IS : 7741
( Part I )-1975’
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
1) Visual examination 7.2 - -
2) Frequency response 7.5.1 Measurements shall be made The frequency response curve
under working conditions in shall fall within the mask of
accordance with 2.2 and 2.3 of Fig. 1 when the OdB line of
of IS: 7741 ( Part I )-1975*. Fig. 1 is aligned the mean
The loudspeakers shall be moun- characteristic sound pressure
ted in accordance with 3.9 of level.
IS : 7741 ( Part I )-1975*.
The measurements shall be made
by one of the following
methods:
a) By supplying the loudspeakers
with a broadband noise and
analysing the spectral density
of the microphone output,
b) By supplying the loudspeakers
with noise filtered ( see Note 2 ).
NOTE 1 - In the second case, the
filters may not be used in the
microphones chains, but no
prevention exists against their
use.
NOTE 2 - Noise filtering - For
measurements using filtered
noise, two kind of filters are
considered:
a) constant relative bandwidth
filter in combination with
pink noise, and
. b) constant absolute band-
width filter in combination
with white noise.

6
4

-16
W -16 II II I I I I I I 1
50 1 100 12 500
31.5 63 125 250 500 IO00 2000 4000 8lm 16000
HZ
FIG. 1
The measurements shall he made
at an input power of 100 mW
per 113 octave band and referred
to a distance of 1 m on the
reference axis. Owing to the
existence of many types of
loudspeakers, with different
acoustical properties, it is not
possible to specify a single stan-
dard acoustical environment in
which this test is to be carried
out. The manufacturer shall,
therefore, specify this environ-
ment, selecting from the follow-
ing:
*Specification for loudspeakers : Part I General requirements and tests. ( Continued )
 TABLE 1 CHARACTERISTICS AND REQUIREMENTS - Contd
SL CHARACTEIZISTIO METH~DOB ADDITIONSICONDITIONB FOR REQUIREMENT
No. MEASUREMENT, MEASUREMENT
REF TO CL IN
IS : 7741
( Part I )-1975;
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
a) free-field of 2x steradians, in
which case the spatial relation-
ship between the auxiliary
baffle and the loudspeaker en-
closure shall be stated.
b) 4s free field.
3) Effective frequency 7.10 The measurement shall be related Frequency limits are given for the
range to the mean characteristic sound points where the frequency/
pressure level calculated bet- amplitude profile intersects the
ween 100 Hz and 8 000 Hz ordinate-8 dB, both in the bars
according to Sl No. 5. and treble registers ( seeFig. 1 ).
If the claimed effective fre-
quency range is wider than the
minimum requirement of 50 Hz
and 12.500 Hz, the tolerances of
-8 dB+2 dB still apply.
4) Operating power ( cha- 7.11 The measurement shall be made
racteristic powert ) using a fixed frequency range of
to a characteristic 100 Hz to 8 000 Hz instead of
sound pressure level the rated frequency _ range;
of 96 dB at a distance 100 Hz and 8 000 Hi being the
of 1 metre centre frequencies of the corres-
ponding l/3 octave bands. The
operating power is then given
by that power which produces a
characteristic sound pressure
level of 96 dB.
5) Mean characteristic 7.11 The measurement shall be made The loudspeaker shall be capable
sound pressure level using a fixed frequency range of of handling the operating power
100 Hz to 8000 Hz instead of (see Sl No. 2 ) per l/3 octave
the rated frequency range; band over the rated frequency
 100 Hz and 8 000 Hz being the range, which means that the
centre frequencies of the corres- loudspeaker shall be capable of
ponding l/3 octave bands. The reproducing a mean charac-
mean characteristic sound pres- terirtic sound pressure level of
sure level can be calculated at least 96 dB.
according to formula:
Mean characteristic S. P.:L.
= 20 log ;g-
where
PO = standard reference
sound pressure
( 20~ Pa )
Pm = mean’ characteristic
sound pressure

i=l
L J
where
Pi = characteristic sound
pressure level in
each !/3 octave band
n = number of bands,
here 20 due to the
limitation of the
:‘geg9;;? 8 yO;g; to
a,
The capability of the loudspeaker
to reproduce the required sound
pressure level is tested by supp-
lying the loudspeaker with an
input voltage per lj3 octave
band equal to the input voltage
corresponding with the opera-
ting power ( SI S1 No. 2 ) over
the rated frequency range.
*Specification for loudspeakers : Part I General requirements and tests.
vhe name ‘operating power’ is ambiguous and misleading. By analogy with ‘ characteristic sound pressure ’
the term ‘ characteristic power ’ may be introduced. ( C9n&ued )
 TABLE 1 CHARACTERISTICS AND REQUIREMENTS - Contd
SL CHARAUTERISTIO METHOD OB ADDITIONS/CONDITIONS FOR REQUIREMENT
NO. MEASUREMENT, MEASUREMENT
REF’TO CL IN
IS : 7741
.( Part I )-1975*
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
6) Difference between fre- set SI No. 2 - The response curves obtained
quency response am- along the reference axis for
plitude of loudspea- loudspeakers of the same type,
kers for stereophonic intended to be used in stereo-
use phonic installations, shall be
such that the average sound
pressure levels, corresponding
to each of the octaves, whose
central frequencies lie between
250 Hz and 8 000 Hz inclusive,
do not differ by more than 2 dB
from one speaker to the other
for the same octave.
A transfer to equalize the values
obtained for the l/3 octave with
a central frequency of 1 000 Hz
is carried out previously.
Verification of the fulfilment of
this condition is obtained by
using the results of the test of
( see Sl No. 2 ) from which the
arithmetic mean of the sound
pressure levels corresponding to
the l/3 octave bands, centered
on the following frequencies, is
calculated:
HZ
reTsnTtave 200- 250- 315
400- 500- 630
Third x 800-I 000- 1 250
Fourth ,, 1600-2 000- 2 500
Fifth ), 3 150-4 ooo- 5 000
Sixth ,, 6 300-8 000-10 000
7) Directional response 7.5.2(b) Frequency response curves shall be The curves shall fall within a tole-
measured at stated angles from rance field off 4 dB referred to
the reference axis of between the curve measured on the refe-
20” and 30” in a horizontal plane rencea xis ( SET Sl No. 2 and 3 )
and between 5” and 10” in a from 250 Ez to 8 000 Hz. The
vertical plane, on both sides of curves shall be aligned so that
the reference axis in each case. the low frequency portions
( where the loudspeaker is
substantially non-directional )
coincide.
NOTE 1 - The manufacturer shall
state exactly at which angle
the relevant frequency curve is
measured.
NOTE 2 - The wide angles for. the
minimum requirements in a
horizontal plane are based on
fact that loudspeaker-systems
for stereophonic use are very
often placed with their radia-
ting surface in line in the same
vertical plane, which means
that a more extensive uniform
response in the horizontal plane
is desirable.
8) Characteristic t o t a 1 7.13.1.1 At the constant input power equal From 250 Hz to 1 kHz < 3 percent. t:
harmonic distortion to the operating power ( see Sl Above 1 kHz to2 kHz C 3 percent ..
No. 4 ). down to < 1 percent decreasing B
linearly with respect to a log- UI
r;l
arithmic frequency scale. From h
2 kHz to 6.3 kHz < 1 percent
referred to a sound pressure
level of 96 dB. Individual ( 3 at
the most ) distortion peaks ex-
ceeding the respective tolerance
limit are to be disregarded un-
less their width at the tolerance
limit is more than l/3 octave.
*Specification for loudspeakers : Part I General requirements and tests. ( Continued )
 TABLE 1 CHARACTERISTICS AND REQUIREMENTS - Cod g
SL CHARACTERISTIC METHOD OIP ADDITIONS/C•NDITIONBFOR REQUIREMENT ;b
No. MEASUREMENT, MEASUREMENT Z
REF TO CL IN
IS : 7741 c*
( Part I )-1975+
$
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) x
9) Gliding tone 7.4 - Absence of sharp peaks, distorting i’
double metres to be checked z
subjectively.
10) Impedance 7.8 (with the For any setting of the controls i
exception of available to the user, at no fre-
the Note ) quency within the range 20 Hz Z
to 20 kHz shall the impedance
be less than 80 percent of the
rated impedance.
NOTE - Control of the impedance
outside this frequency range is
desirable in order to avoid
problems with certain types of
amplifier.
11) Nominal impedance - The impedance values lo be pre-
ferred are 452 or 852.
12) a) Power handling 7.9 - > low
capacity
NOTE-In principle the power
handling capacity of the loud-
speaker should be equal to or
greater than the rated distor-
tion limited output power of
the associated amplifier. But
at present the power handling
capacity of the loudspeaker,
measured according to 7.9 of
IS : 7741 ( Part I )-1975* should
be significantly greater than
the rated distortion limited
 output power of the associated
amplifier. This because modern
programme material contains
more high frequency energy
than the test signal defined in
IS : 7741 (Part I )-1975*.
b) Music power hand- - In order to include the maximum The value of the music load capa-
ling capacity permissible power value for city shall be at least 10 W.
pulse type of louds correspond-
ing to music and speech, the
loudspeakers is operated from
250 Hz downwards till its lowest
limit frequency with sine tones
at various input powers for a
short period, maximum up to
2 seconds. Tbe music power
handling capacity is the power,
which the loudspeaker can
handle, without an audible con-
tact between voice-coil or dia-
phragm and other parts or with-
out any other distortion.
The value of the music load capa-
city is determined over the
equivalent resistance
13) Vibration 7.16 There shall be no change in the
requirements of:
a) Visual examination,
b) Mean characteristic sound
pressure level,
c) Harmonic distortion at one
of the specified frequency,
and
d) Frequency response.

*Specification for loudspeakers : Part I General requirements and tests.

 TABLE 1 CHARACTERISTICS AND REQUIREMENTS - Contd
SL CHARACTERISTIC METHOD OB ADDITIONS/CONDITIONS FOR REQUIREMENT
No. MEASUREMENT, MEASUREIENT
REFTOCLIN
1s : 7741
( Part I)-1975*

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

14) Bump 7.17 - There shall be no change in the
requirements of:
a) Visual examination,
b) Mean characteristic sound
pressure level,
c) Harmonic distortion at one
of the specified frequency,
and
d) Frequency response.
15) Climatic tests 7.181 The period of exposure for mould The requirements shall be as
growth test shall be 28 days. specified in 7.18 of IS : 7741
( Part I )-1975*

*Specification for loudspeakers : Part I General requirements and tests.

 IS I 9551 ( Part III) - 1979

APPENDIX A
[ CZause 3.2 (b) ]
CONVERSION FORMULA FOR 4n FREE FIELD TO 2x
STERADIAN FIELD

A-l. FORMULA
A-l.1 Where it is required to convert the results of measurements in a 2~
steradian or a 4x free field to measurements in the other type of field
( for example, because measurements in the required type of field cannot
be carried out ), the conversion described below may be used, subject to
the stated restrictions. The conversion graph of Fig. 2 is valid for
loudspeaker systems of the closed box type having a maximum volume of
about 40 to 50 and maximum front area dimensions of about 30 x 60 cm.
The transition frequency f,, is determined empirically by f,, = 120/a, ‘ a ’
being the smallest dimension in metre of the front of the cabinet.
A-2. MEASUREMENT ACCURACY
A-2.1 It should be borne in mind, that the accuracy of acoustic measure-
ments at low frequencies is severely reduced by the limited size of availa-
ble anechoic and reverberant rooms and the numerous sources of error,
which affect measurements in the open air. The acoustic measurements
shall be carried out with an accuracy of 1.5 dB.

FIG. 2

17
IS : 9551.(,P+rt III ) - 1979

APPENDIX B
( Clause 9.1.1 )

SEQUENCE OF TYPE TESTS

All samples (12)

Visual examination ((Table 1, Sl No. 1 )

I
Impedance ( Table 1, Sl No. 10)

Mean characteristic sound pre!sure level ( Table 1, Sl No. 5 )

Characteristic total harmonic !%stortion ( Table 1, Sl NO. 8 )

I
I
Samples (3) ( Samile 3 ) ( Sam\le 3 ) ( San&e 3 )
Dimensions (5) Mould growth Damp heat Power handling
I ( T;;b)le 1, Sl No. accelerated capacity
( Table 1, [Table 1,
Sl No. 16)
Noil2 (a’3
I
Frequency response ( Table 1, Sl No. 2 ) ”
Music power handling
Effective fre!quency range ( Table 1, Sl NO. 2 ) capacity [ Table 1,
S1 No. 12 (b) ]
Operating Lower ( Table 1, Sl No. 4 )
I
Difference between frequency res-
ponse amplitude of loudspeakers
for stereophonic use ( Table 1, Sl No. 6 )

Directional’response ( Table 1, Sl No. 7 )

Gliding tor!e ( Table 1, Sl NO. 9 )

Vibration (‘Table 1, Sl NO. 13 )

Bump ( Table 1, Sl No. 14)

Climatic tebts (Table 1, Sl No. 15)