What is considered the last link in the audio signal path?

The last link in the audio signal path is the loudspeaker. In an audio system, the flow of the audio signal starts at the microphone, where sound is captured and converted into an electrical signal. This electrical signal travels through various components like mixers and amplifiers, where it can be processed, adjusted, and boosted.

Ultimately, the loudspeaker is responsible for converting that electrical signal back into sound waves that we can hear. It is the final stage in the audio signal chain before the sound reaches the listener's ears, making it the critical component that delivers the final output of the audio system. The function of the loudspeaker as the endpoint of the audio signal chain is essential for completing the audio playback process.