Listeners adapt to flawed speakers yet recognize superior ones

Evidence

In one case at least, Stereophile magazine, useful measurements are made (full credit to John Atkinson), but then, by my observation, these data are rarely incorporated in the discussion by the subjective reviewers who practice the “take-it-home-and-listen-to-it” method. Adaptation sets in, and numerous non-auditory influences are at play. There are many quotable passages in these reviews, but one sticks in my memory. It pertained to a loudspeaker with significant faults, clearly revealed in Atkinson’s measurements (and ours), and one can only presume heard by the reviewer. The subjective reviewer, perhaps believing in “breaking in,” persisted and stated that after living with the speaker for about two months he experienced an epiphany, and he suddenly heard wonderful things. So, did the loudspeaker “break in”? No. Did the reviewer come to an accommodation with the faults in it? Yes. In the absence of comparison listening to other products, the reviewer will never know what really happened. Readers were encouraged to go spend a lot of money on a mediocre product. — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 158 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

I have noticed this effect when I return home after a trip. I turn my system on and it may sound a little “different.” It doesn’t last long, and in a few minutes I am back in the familiar context. Nothing has “broken in”; it was me readapting. This is the common situation of product reviewers noting differences in sound of a new product introduced into their listening room, but over time adapting to its characteristics. Apart from tiny changes in woofer resonance frequency, loudspeakers do not “break in”—that is a physical fact—but listeners certainly do. — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 134 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Sighted listeners ignore program differences that blind listeners react to; Listeners adapt to loudspeaker flaws and still enjoy reproduced sound; Listeners habituate to reproduced-sound faults without comparison listening — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 158 (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Listeners adapt to loudspeaker flaws and still enjoy reproduced sound #corroborates (0.95)
• Listeners habituate to reproduced-sound faults without comparison listening #corroborates (0.90) — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 158
• Loudspeakers do not break in but listeners adapt to new sound #corroborates (0.85) — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 134
• Fixed reference loudspeakers can turn their flaws into sought-after virtues #expands (0.78)
• Listeners judge reproduced sound against accumulated experience of live sound #expands (0.75) — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 49