Diffuse-field targets are least preferred, but adding bass improves them

Evidence

Figure 15.17 displays boxplots showing the distribution of preference ratings for each target curve based on evaluations from 32 listeners. The boxplot graphically shows the estimated mean, median, and upper and lower quartiles of all ratings with the vertical lines or whiskers indicating ratings beyond the quartiles, and the single dots indicate outliers. Both the SoundGuys and the Harman 2019 targets were equally preferred, and both were preferred to the other target curves. The lowest rated target was the DF, which is consistent with results from previous studies reported in this chapter. DF Mod which adds bass and reduces the treble of the DF improves its sound quality. The modified version of the Harman 2018 Target (APHar2018Ver2) that received the highest ratings in the SenseLab study did not fare as well in this study. This could be related to differences in the test methodology. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1819