Frequency Response

I agree with Plato but would like to add - Specs are just a guideline. Go and listen then make a decision from there. As far as a standard? For what - a desktop speaker or a 7' floorstander? Also +/- db can be all over the entire spectrum and without a graph with a known load you can't just assume it's at the high and low end.

I will go out on a limb and just tell you that 20Hz-20KHz reasonably linear i.e. +/- 3Dbn is fairly standard fora large floor stander. My Focals actually don't extend done to 20 cycles but stops around 27 Hz. I don't miss it but some people like the vibration that a subwoofer typically provides. I find it ludicrous that people can't just give you an answer. It should be noted that linearity is very important but you didn't ask for that information.

Please consider that the frequency response should be accommodated by the room in which they will be placed in.

I find it ludicrous that people can't just give you an answer. It should be noted that linearity is very important but you didn't ask for that information.

The OP asked for guidelines in regard to frequency response. Addressing linearity is FAR more important that upper/lower extension, and is equally relevant. So that is answering his question. As a guideline, deviation from flat is the spec that should be focused upon.

Please consider that the frequency response should be accommodated by the room in which they will be placed in.

True, room interaction is important ... but there's no way to determine that from a published spec.

OK folks, let me back up a bit. I'm trying to get a sense of certain sets of speakers (I don't have the luxury of going and listening to a lot). My old speakers, which were floorstanders, had a range of 38hz-20khz (good, average???). So as I;m specing new speakers, I'm just trying to get an idea of a "comfort" zone in terms of range....I have seen floorstanders at the low end anywhere from 20hz-40hz, and at the top end anywhere from 20khz-100khz.....but there is usually a sweet spot that most fall into. That is the sort of thing that I'm trying to figure out. I realize it's not the best way to go, but in my situation I am buying everything "deaf" so to speak. As far as the D/B I'm finding a number of companies only give you the range, not the D/B.