Comb-filter notches are far easier to detect on white noise than on music

Evidence

The distinction between 4.16 ms and 5 ms is dramatic, since for this sample a key partial is located at 300 Hz, exactly at a notch for a 5 ms time delay. This is followed by white noise signal, with the same three transformations applied to it. It is interesting that the spectral changes caused by the addition of various time delays are much easier to detect for the white noise signal, although quite significant differences can be heard in the quartet passage as well. — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 2551

Categorization

• SHARE: A precise demo result — a 0.84 ms difference between delays is drammatically audible depending on where partials land — perfect for the sound-person friend.
• CANDY: That a difference between 4.16 ms and 5 ms reflection delay is ‘dramatic’ because a partial lands exactly in a notch is a great cocktail fact.