Those quoted numbers have little meaning. Mainly, such stated ranges are useless without specifying how the FR varies within that range, e.g., +/-3dB. In addition, both cover the range most human sensitivity.

FR is probably not something I would flag as an issue. Power output, distortion and, of course, features.

A couple of thoughts; Firstly I wouldn't buy a component - especially an AV Receiver based on measured specs alone. Secondly the 20Hz - 20kHz figure sounds like a frequency range within which another measurement is taken. And if not, they might be referring to the "listening window" (that is a technical term for the average on axis frequency response measured on both vertical and horizontal speaker planes). Sorry not a simple response as you requested, but hopefully you get the gist.

Under what conditions? Thats an order of magnitude difference but probably makes little difference in practice. All else equal (rarely the case), lower is better.

I suggest you find a review or two and find out whether and how they meet their advertised specs.

I agree with Kal. There are different methods for running measurements - eg: RMS vs 'True RMS' power, hence published specs (especially from low end/mass market manufacturers) can be misleading. I would trust specs published by Accuphase who guarantee their specs, and high end companies like Vitus Audio who are not prone to BS however. Hence, try to seek our reviews as Kal suggested and focus more on the sound and overall quality/performance of the product, less on the measured specs. Also, tube gear often has average to poor measured specs, yet often sounds far better than the measurements suggest.

I would listen to the equipment. Determine if I like how it sounded and if it has enough power to drive my speakers to desired levels in my room. If the answer is yes to those points, who cares what the measurements say. In the end, all that matters is if you like the way it sounds.

darrelj wrote:

I am looking to purchase a AVR

one has a frequency response rate as 10hz - 100khz and the other says
20Hz -20 kHz

which one is superior? Can someone explain in simple terms

1) Most adult males cannot hear anything above 15Khz.

2) The highest frequency of any instrument in the symphony orchestra is
below 5Khz (with the exception of cymbals and the celeste). The human voice is also limited to below 5 Khz.

3) Many adult males over 60 cannot hear much above 6Khz, and it has been demonstrated that this has little effect on the ability to listen critically to music and high-end equipment in a discriminating way.

So...as long as a piece of equipment can go up to 15 Khz, nothing further is required or useful.

ALL audio equipment, even the cheapest, has all the frequency response required, so this is one spec that is meaningless in choosing equipment.

@Commsysman, Infinity Systems back when they were the leading High End Audio company in the world noted in the Technical White Paper for the Renaissance 90 speakers - "Infinity has found that extending the frequency response well beyond the normal hearing range provides greater speed and coherency within the musical range, which results in greater depth, clarity, and harmonic integrity". And let's not forget the President of Infinity Systems, and co-designer of the Renaissance series (Arnie Nudell) was a Nuclear Physicist. Here is a link to the White Paper for verification - http://www.cieri.net/Documenti/Infinity/Documenti%20tecnici/Infinity%20-%20Renaissance%20Speakers%20-%20Watkins%20woofer,%20EMIM,%20EMIT%20-%20White%20Paper.pdf