On-axis flatness and smooth off-axis response predict 75% of listening preference

Evidence

When the dominant contributing factors to this model were analyzed, they were: … On-axis flatness, and onand off-axis (sound power) smoothness account for 75% of the preference estimate. These are indications of a lack of resonances. Bass performances alone accounts for 25% of the preference estimate, something not to be dismissed. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1210