Audience bass preferences deviate from the Harman target by up to six dB.

Evidence

The preferred sound profiles associated with each class were estimated by calculating the average frequency response of the top five rated headphones in each class. The sound profiles are shown in Figure 15.11 relative to the Harman target curve. Class 1 prefer headphones that on average mostly comply with the Harman target. Class 2 prefer the Harman target with 4-6 dB more bass. Class 3 prefer the Harman target with about 2 dB less bass. There is also some indication less treble between 4 and 9 kHz may be preferred Figure 15. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1800

Categorization

• XREF: Connects directly to the reader’s stated interest in how perceptual preferences (Harman target) are modeled from acoustic measurements.