On-axis curves alone cannot predict loudspeaker sound quality
Evidence
Notably absent from this collection is the Quad ESL 63, but some data are shown in Figure 4.7. Also absent from the displayed products are those from Bose. To reveal useful performance data on their multidirectionally radiating loudspeakers requires the digital measurement system that can perform spatial averaging and a sound power calculation; it did not exist at the time I was doing those tests. Measurements on single axes show acoustical interference that is disturbing to the eye but not necessarily evident to listeners in normally reflective rooms. So, rather than show misleading data, I show none. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1946 (
#exemplifies, via linked claim)
By itself, a steady-state room curve is incomplete data and it is a bold assertion (often repeated) that it is a definitive statement of sound quality as perceived by two ears and a brain (see Section 13.2.3). — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1561 (
#corroborates, via linked claim)
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Anechoic on-axis and sound power responses suffice to predict perceived loudspeaker quality — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1292; On-axis response alone cannot predict how a loudspeaker sounds in a room; Loudspeaker directivity determines which curve predicts the room (+7 more)
Related
- Single-axis measurements misrepresent multidirectional loudspeakers like Bose (similarity 0.95)
- Loudspeaker directivity determines which curve predicts the room (similarity 0.91)
- On-axis response alone cannot predict how a loudspeaker sounds in a room (similarity 0.90)
- The direct, on-axis sound dominates perceived loudspeaker quality in rooms. (similarity 0.90)
- Anechoic on-axis and sound power responses suffice to predict perceived loudspeaker quality (similarity 0.90)
- Loudspeaker off-axis response dominates in-room energy at the listening position. (similarity 0.88)
- Room curves cannot define perceived sound quality on their own (similarity 0.88)
- Consumers can judge loudspeaker quality from spinorama curves without hearing them (similarity 0.87)
- Sound power predicts room response for omnidirectional speakers while directivity shapes room curves (similarity 0.87)
- Sound power alone cannot predict listener preference for loudspeakers (similarity 0.87)
- Loudspeaker quality depends on off-axis radiation because rooms reflect it (similarity 0.86)
- Perceived spectral balance matches on-axis response more than sound power or room curve (similarity 0.86)
- Highly regarded loudspeakers measured far from flat in anechoic response (similarity 0.85)
- Smoother, flatter, wider-bandwidth on-axis curves predict higher subjective loudspeaker ratings. (similarity 0.85)
- Room curves are measurement results, not equalization targets, except at bass (similarity 0.85)
Broader Connections
- On-axis response alone cannot predict how a loudspeaker sounds in a room
#corroborates(1.00) - Single-axis measurements misrepresent multidirectional loudspeakers like Bose
#exemplifies(0.90) — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1946 - Loudspeaker directivity determines which curve predicts the room
#expands(0.85) - Room curves cannot define perceived sound quality on their own
#corroborates(0.85) — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1561 - Sound power alone cannot predict listener preference for loudspeakers
#corroborates(0.80) — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1204