Multichannel recording content masks room acoustics and loudspeaker resonances

Evidence

However, when stereo and multichannel recordings contain real or synthesized reflective/reverberant information about large spaces the situation changes. The multiple active channels reduce the ability of listeners to hear timbral details, specifically resonances, which are the sources of unwanted coloration in loudspeakers, as well as the desirable timbral components of voices and musical instruments. The perception of the large space in recordings dominates that of the listening room. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1425

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to earlier chapter 5 finding that mono/hard-panned listening separates speaker from room; this paragraph extends the mechanism into multichannel perception.