Ear coupling and head size make headphone sound-quality opinions vary widely

Evidence

What remains are mostly spectral balance and broadband spectral trends in frequency response that can influence the perception of timbre. The coupling of the headphone to the ear can affect this variable, particularly at low frequencies where leaks occur. And since the fit and coupling of the headphone to the ears depends on the varying shape and size of the individual’s head and ears, opinions about headphone sound quality vary widely. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1682

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the reader’s interest in how physical stimuli (fit, coupling, leaks) cause perceptual response (timbre, quality opinions) in psychoacoustics.