Modern loudspeakers converge so closely that choices become statistical ties
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 (
#corroborates, via linked claim)
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Modern loudspeaker differences are often statistical ties decided by program material. — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1862; Well-designed loudspeakers converge on neutral, nearly identical sound.
Related
- Modern loudspeaker differences are often statistical ties decided by program material. (similarity 0.96)
- Modern loudspeakers have converged so far that choice among them is statistically a tie. (similarity 0.90)
- Well-designed loudspeakers converge on neutral, nearly identical sound. (similarity 0.87)
- Blind listener tests reliably favor the most neutral loudspeakers (similarity 0.85)
- Neutral loudspeakers should be transparent messengers of the art (similarity 0.85)
- Unstandardized loudspeakers once meant recordings could not reliably reproduce their intended sound. (similarity 0.84)
- Well-designed loudspeakers from 1980s rival today’s high-end products (similarity 0.84)
- Historically, published loudspeaker specifications were often artistic rather than factual. (similarity 0.84)
- Fixed reference loudspeakers can turn their flaws into sought-after virtues (similarity 0.84)
- Well-designed loudspeakers are recognized by ordinary customers only under valid comparison conditions (similarity 0.83)
- Listener preferences for neutral loudspeakers proved stable across decades and countries. (similarity 0.83)
- Blind testing found 20% preferred synthesized phantom surround over real speakers (similarity 0.83)
- Even professional monitor loudspeakers showed measurable defects in early tests (similarity 0.83)
- High-power loudspeakers often trade timbral accuracy, while accurate ones are limited in level (similarity 0.82)
- Early loudspeaker preference studies were too crude to validate any measurement model (similarity 0.82)
Broader Connections
- Modern loudspeaker differences are often statistical ties decided by program material.
#corroborates(0.98) — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1862 - Well-designed loudspeakers converge on neutral, nearly identical sound.
#expands(0.90)