Equalizing to a universal target curve cannot reliably improve sound

Evidence

More data would be enlightening, but this amount is sufficient to indicate that a single target curve is not likely to satisfy all listeners all the time. Because these preferred curves were subjectively determined, they include the “circle of confusion” issues. Just as they changed with listener experience and training, they are likely to change with different programs. It is proof that we need easily accessible bass, treble and/or tilt tone controls in playback equipment. — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1422 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

By measuring at several seats and averaging the result, one gets a spectrally smoothed overall impression of what the audience hears, but not of what any individual in the audience hears. Unless one employs a massive bass-trap array or a multiple-subwoofer strategy to reduce seat-to-seat variations, equalization to satisfy a spatial average may end up truly satisfying none of the listeners. It is arguably better in such cases to satisfy the prime listener and let the rest take their chances. — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1046 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: No single loudness compensation curve can serve music with dynamic range; No single equalization target curve can suit all listeners — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1422; A single headphone target curve cannot satisfy all listener preferences (+8 more)

Broader Connections

• No single equalization target curve can suit all listeners #corroborates (0.95) — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1422
• A single headphone target curve cannot satisfy all listener preferences #corroborates (0.95)
• Spatially averaged equalization can satisfy no individual listener #corroborates (0.85) — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1046
• Room curves cannot define perceived sound quality on their own #corroborates (0.80) — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1561
• Equal-loudness contours vary greatly across individual listeners #corroborates (0.80)
• Equalization only corrects sound at the measured position, not the physical resonance #qualifies (0.70)
• Equalization masks a mode’s audibility but leaves the room itself untouched #qualifies (0.70)