Rooms shift absolute ratings but not loudspeaker rankings in multiple-loudspeaker comparisons

Evidence

Conclusion: the rooms had an effect on the absolute ratings but did not dominate the relative ratings, the ranking of the loudspeakers; the loudspeakers did. The results of the live version resulted in the same ranking as this binaural version, demonstating the competence with which the experimental method was applied. During the comparison tests, listeners were able to separate the sound of the room from the overall experience to such an extent that it was sufficiently normalized to allow them focus on differences among the loudspeakers. The multiple-loudspeaker experimental method almost certainly assisted in this process, and it is possible that there was some adaptation to, familiarization with, room sound. Seeing the large differences in room performance in Figure 5.10, this is a remarkable feat. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 544

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the reader’s earlier notes on experimental listening-test methodology and how rooms shape perception; also relevant to audio evaluation practice.