Room reflections aid resonance audibility that headphones must control internally

Evidence

Headphones produce a fundamentally different stereo experience from loudspeakers in both spatial impression (distance, direction and spaciousness) as well as perceiving low and medium Q resonances where reflections from the room enhance audibility. Fortunately, most modern headphones, particularly in-ear models are well-behaved in controlling resonances. Resonances tend to be problematic at higher frequencies, particularly for AE/OE models where the diaphragms begin to break up and there are complex acoustical interactions with the pinnae of the listener. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1681

Categorization

• DEFINE: Clarifies how Q of resonances and room reflections interact differently between loudspeaker and headphone reproduction—a core psychoacoustic distinction.