What is Frequency Response?

Frequency response describes how well an audio device - like a speaker, amplifier or pair of headphones — reproduces sound across the audible frequency range from the lowest bass to the highest treble. It’s usually shown as a range, such as 20 Hz – 20 kHz, which roughly matches what human hearing can perceive. The low end (bass) gives music its weight and punch, the midrange brings voices to life, while the high end (treble) adds detail and air. But the numbers alone don’t tell the whole story - what really matters is how even that response is. A flat frequency response means the sound is reproduced accurately, while boosts or dips can make the sound feel warmer, brighter or more forward. Components like CD players, streamers and amplifiers tend to have a flat frequency response across the board but speakers vary quite a bit from flat and that is one of the things that give them their character.

From Deep Bass To High Treble 

Ideally a speaker should reproduces sound across the audible range, from deep bass to high treble. The frequency response will tell you how close it gets to achieving that goal. It shows which frequencies a speaker can play, and how evenly it plays them, rather than just how loud it can go. You’ll often see it listed as a range - for example, 38 Hz – 28 kHz - but that number alone doesn’t tell the full story. What really matters is how smoothly the speaker transitions from bass through midrange to treble, and whether any frequencies are boosted or recessed along the way.

Control Accross The Frequency Response

Take something like the Wharfedale Linton Heritage, a speaker well known at Audio Trends for its balanced and engaging sound. Its frequency response is tuned to deliver real authority in the bass without overwhelming the midrange, where vocals and instruments live. That careful control across the frequency range is what makes music sound cohesive and natural, rather than boomy at the bottom or shouty through the mids. A well-designed speaker doesn’t just reach low or high - it stays composed across the entire spectrum.

The Balance - From Floorstanding Speakers To Compact Speakers

At the more premium end, speakers such as the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 highlight how extended frequency response can enhance realism. The decoupled tweeter design allows high frequencies to remain clean and airy, while dedicated bass drivers handle low frequencies with precision. This separation helps maintain clarity even at higher volumes, and it’s why well-engineered floorstanders can sound both powerful and refined at the same time. The result isn’t just more sound - it’s better-controlled sound.

Compact speakers also benefit from thoughtful frequency tuning. A stand mount like the KEF LS50 Meta, another Audio Trends favourite, uses advanced driver technology to keep its frequency response impressively even despite its smaller cabinet. While it won’t reach as low as a large floorstander, its midrange accuracy and smooth treble make it incredibly revealing. This shows that frequency response isn’t about size alone - it’s about how intelligently the speaker is engineered within its physical limits.

The Foundation of Sound Quality

Ultimately, frequency response shapes the overall character of a speaker. Some designs lean slightly warm and full, others aim for neutrality and precision, and some add a touch of sparkle for excitement. Two speakers may list similar frequency ranges on paper, yet sound completely different in practice. That’s why listening - ideally in a well-set-up room like one of the Audio Trends sound studios - is just as important as reading the specs. Frequency response is a foundation of sound quality, but it’s how that response is executed that turns good speakers into great ones. - Written by Wes Bell December 2025