Summary of China's Loudspeaker Standards
From design and production to final inspection, loudspeakers are built and tested against standards. In China, loudspeaker standards fall into three groups: national standards (GB/T), electronics industry standards (SJ/T) and national metrology technical specifications (JJF). This article summarizes the 9 current standards most often used in the loudspeaker industry, and lists the older editions they replaced, as a quick reference for product selection, testing and quality reviews.
- 3national standards
- 5industry standards
- 1metrology spec
At a glance
| Type | Standard No. | Title |
|---|---|---|
| National | GB/T 12060.5-2011 | Sound system equipment - Part 5: Methods of measurement for main characteristics of loudspeakers |
| National | GB/T 12060.13-2011 | Sound system equipment - Part 13: Listening tests on loudspeakers |
| National | GB/T 9397-2013 | General specification for electrodynamic loudspeakers of direct radiator type |
| Industry | SJ/T 11716-2018 | Methods of measurement for main characteristics of micro speakers |
| Industry | SJ/T 10601-1994 | Reliability requirements and test methods for loudspeakers |
| Industry | SJ/T 11540-2015 | General specification for powered speakers |
| Industry | SJ/T 11522-2015 | Methods of measurement for main characteristics of cinema loudspeaker systems |
| Industry | SJ/T 11523-2015 | Methods of measurement for enclosures of line array loudspeaker systems |
| Metrology | JJF 1203-2008 | Calibration specification for power life-span test equipment for electro-acoustic products (loudspeakers) |
1. National standards
Sound system equipment - Part 5: Methods of measurement for main characteristics of loudspeakers
The basic measurement standard for loudspeaker performance, replacing GB/T 9396-1996. It treats the loudspeaker as a passive component (loudspeaker systems with built-in amplifiers are not covered), defines its characteristics, and specifies how to measure them with sinusoidal, specified noise or impulse signals.
Sound system equipment - Part 13: Listening tests on loudspeakers
Specifies methods for subjective listening tests on loudspeakers, replacing GB/T 12058-1989. It mainly covers loudspeakers used in domestic systems and environments, including mono, two-channel stereo and multichannel setups, and can also be applied to equipment whose loudspeakers cannot be separated, such as television sets.
General specification for electrodynamic loudspeakers of direct radiator type
Covers product classification, requirements, test methods, inspection rules, marking, packaging, transport and storage of direct radiator electrodynamic loudspeakers, replacing GB/T 9397-1996. It applies to loudspeakers used in radios, TV sets, tape recorders, home multimedia and similar electronic products, and is commonly used as a reference in product quality inspections.
2. Electronics industry standards
Methods of measurement for main characteristics of micro speakers
Applies to micro speakers whose vibrating area has a maximum dimension below 40 mm, either as single units or as speaker systems. It defines the characteristics of micro speakers and how to measure them with sinusoidal, specified noise or impulse signals. Key characteristics include impedance, frequency response, distortion and rated power. Micro speakers in mobile phones, earphones and wearables are mainly tested to this standard.
Reliability requirements and test methods for loudspeakers
Specifies reliability requirements and test methods for loudspeakers used in TV sets, tape recorders and similar electronic products, mainly direct radiator electrodynamic cone loudspeakers.
General specification for powered speakers
Covers requirements, test methods, inspection rules, marking, packaging, transport and storage of consumer powered speakers (active speakers), for use in their design, manufacture, inspection and acceptance.
Methods of measurement for main characteristics of cinema loudspeaker systems
Specifies test methods for the main characteristics of loudspeaker systems used in cinemas and mobile film projection.
Methods of measurement for enclosures of line array loudspeaker systems
Defines the characteristics of enclosures used in line array loudspeaker systems and specifies their performance test methods.
3. Metrology specification
Calibration specification for power life-span test equipment for electro-acoustic products (loudspeakers)
Applies to the calibration of power life-span test equipment for loudspeakers and loudspeaker systems. Power life-span testing is a key check of loudspeaker durability, and only calibrated equipment gives results you can rely on.
4. Replaced and withdrawn standards
These older standards still appear in many documents. Please use the newer editions instead:
| Old standard | Title | Status |
|---|---|---|
| GB/T 9396-1996 | Methods of measurement for main characteristics of loudspeakers | Replaced by GB/T 12060.5-2011 |
| GB/T 12058-1989 | Listening tests on loudspeakers | Replaced by GB/T 12060.13-2011 |
| GB/T 9397-1996 | General specification for direct radiator electrodynamic loudspeakers | Replaced by GB/T 9397-2013 |
| GB/T 7313-1987 | Minimum performance requirements and methods of measurement for high fidelity loudspeaker systems | Withdrawn (announced December 2023) |