Lower-than-reference listening levels require accessible bass tone controls for satisfaction.

Evidence

The fact that we may choose to listen at lower than “reference” sound levels at times means that a bass tone control is a requirement, not an option, in achieving rewarding listening experiences. Easily accessed tone controls allow listeners to find their own compromise settings in dealing with the characteristics of their audio systems and rooms, and in real time, following the needs of individual programs. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 925