Seeing the loudspeakers during evaluation actively stresses trained listeners
Evidence
Figure 10.1 shows that in the blind tests, there were two pairs of statistically indistinguishable loudspeakers: the two European “voicings” of the same hardware were rated significantly higher than the other two products, which were also in a statistical tie. In the sighted version of the test, loyal employees gave the big attractive Harman products even higher scores, still tied. However, the little inexpensive sub/sat system dropped significantly in the ratings; apparently its unappealing black plastic exterior overcame employee loyalty. Obviously, something small and inexpensive cannot compete with something large and stylishly crafted of highly polished wood. The large, attractive competitor improved its rating but not enough to win out over the local product. It all seemed very predictable from the biasing influences. … In general, seeing the loudspeakers changed what listeners thought they heard. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1058 (
#expands, via linked claim)
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Visual appearance of loudspeakers shifts listener preference ratings — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1058; Seeing a known loudspeaker erases sensitivity to room-position changes; Room acoustics and presentation method alter how listeners perceive sounds
Broader Connections
- Visual appearance of loudspeakers shifts listener preference ratings
#expands(0.85) — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1058 - Seeing a known loudspeaker erases sensitivity to room-position changes
#corroborates(0.80) - Room acoustics and presentation method alter how listeners perceive sounds
#expands(0.78)