Room reflections improve rather than degrade sound-distance estimation accuracy

Evidence

Obviously, more research is necessary on this topic because in sound reproduction listeners wish to hear the reflections in the recording, not those of the small listening room. This is especially true in recording control rooms, which is why reflection-free zone (RFZ) rooms are created by absorbing or deflecting early listening room reflections. Evidence is scarce, but the practice began in the era of stereo, which is still with us of course, but now recordings are created in multichannel and immersive formats which are much more persuasive in delivering large space envelopment and spaciousness. With multiple sources of direct sound around the listener, it is probable that the small room acoustical contributions may be less significant. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 643 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Room reverberation improves rather than impairs distance judgment; Room boundaries alter loudspeaker output through reflected image sources; Room reverberation barely affects early reflection audibility but strongly elevates late-reflection thresholds — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 630 (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Room reverberation improves rather than impairs distance judgment #corroborates (1.00)
• Multichannel and immersive audio reduce the perceptual importance of small-room reflections. #complicates (0.74) — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 643
• Non-environment rooms suppress all but direct sound for clearer audio detail and imaging #complicates (0.72)