Modern loudspeaker differences are often statistical ties decided by program material.
Evidence
Today, loudspeakers can be even more similar than these (see Figures 12.1 and 13.1) and products with very similar measurements are sometimes difficult to distinguish in double-blind tests. Often it comes down to a decision between sounds that are slightly different, but comparably good. In those cases the variations in program material become the deciding factor, favoring one or the other at different times, and the end result is a statistical tie. There is a point of diminishing returns. The most perfect loudspeaker will not always sound perfect because recordings are not consistent. — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1862
Categorization
- XREF: Extends the book’s running theme of diminishing returns and the varied final arbiter in blind tests; parallels earlier notes on human adaptability to spectral aberrations. — connects to: Modern loudspeakers converge so closely that choices become statistical ties; Reviewers often conflate the room and program with the loudspeaker’s own sound; Product sound quality depends on task context, not just pleasantness.