Anechoic loudspeaker data reliably predict in-room high-frequency response above 500 Hz.

Evidence

In Figure 12.16(e) this curve is compared to room curves measured by John Atkinson of Stereophile in his own and another room. The imperfections below about 500 Hz are attributable to the rooms. The small deviations observed in LG’s room at high frequencies are puzzling. At these frequencies the direct sound should be the dominant factor. The deviations do not originate in the loudspeaker, so suspicions mount that there might be some acoustical interactions with furniture or walls close to the microphone. Overall, though, the comparison confirms that if one begins with a well-designed loudspeaker the room curves will be close to predictions. Given that anechoic data are definitive, and room curves are subject to variations, the confirmation of excellence is reassuring. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1349