Room curves are measurement results, not equalization targets, except at bass

Evidence

Figure 2.13(d) shows that the early-reflections curve from the spinorama is a good predictor of the steady-state spatially averaged room curve. If a room curve is the only data one has, it might be tempting to equalize it to a smooth, gently downward sloping shape—a popular target. However, doing so would make the important on-axis curve worse, and a smooth, flattish on-axis curve is the preferred target performance. The solution is a better loudspeaker. Room curves are results, not targets—except at bass frequencies. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 242

Categorization

• DEFINE: Distinguishes on-axis (design target) from room curve (result to observe, not optimize) — a key conceptual distinction in loudspeaker measurement.
• XREF: Connects to room equalization debates and the ‘cocktail party’ of target curves in modern digital room correction tools like Dirac and Audyssey. — connects to: Room curves cannot define perceived sound quality on their own — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1561; Equalizing to a universal target curve cannot reliably improve sound; The X-curve target does not deliver the neutral direct sound it was believed to — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1222
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 242

Broader Connections

• Room curves cannot define perceived sound quality on their own #expands (0.85) — , Toole, Floyd E - Sound reproduction-…, 1561
• Equalizing to a universal target curve cannot reliably improve sound #corroborates (0.80)