Spectral balance errors predict headphone preference ratings independent of resonance Q

Evidence

The phon scale is a subjective scale of loudness based on the judgments of listeners to match the loudness of tones to reference tones at 1 kHz. The curve for N phones intersects 1 kHz at N dB(SPL) by definition, and it can be seen that the relative shape of the phon curves flattens out at higher sound levels, as shown in Figure 2.13. The relative loudness of different frequencies is not preserved, and therefore the perceived frequency balance of sound varies as the listening level is altered. This is an effect we have all heard when the volume of a recording is turned down and the bass and treble components appear suppressed relative to the midrange frequencies, and the sound becomes “duller” and “thinner.” — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 626 (#contradicts, via linked claim)

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim
• XREF: connects to: Timbral neutrality drives 69.5 percent of sound-quality preference; Small bass-level changes strongly alter perceived spectral balance; Ignoring resonance Q can under-predict listener dislike of specific headphones (+2 more)

Related

• Ignoring resonance Q can under-predict listener dislike of specific headphones (similarity 0.90)
• Small bass-level changes strongly alter perceived spectral balance (similarity 0.90)
• Listener preference tolerances on headphone frequency response are narrowest through midrange (similarity 0.89)
• Timbral neutrality drives 69.5 percent of sound-quality preference (similarity 0.85)
• Volume changes alter perceived frequency balance, not just loudness (similarity 0.85)
• Below-1 kHz resonances go unpunished by the prediction model despite lowering actual preference scores (similarity 0.84)
• The ear’s frequency response means quiet playback dulls bass and treble (similarity 0.84)
• Leakage-dependent bass makes closed-back headphone sound quality vary across listeners (similarity 0.84)
• Reduced playback levels cause timbral shifts and lost low bass (similarity 0.83)
• Headphone bass perception varies with how well headphones seal on each ear (similarity 0.82)
• Listeners are forgiving of headphone resonances but sensitive to bass-level air leaks. (similarity 0.81)
• Headphone reproducibility varies strongly with frequency, worse at bass and treble extremes (similarity 0.81)
• Turning down volume suppresses perceived bass and treble relative to midrange (similarity 0.80)
• Flattening sound power via bass-shy or treble-hot designs harms perceived quality (similarity 0.79)
• Pure diffuse-field calibration yields inadequate bass and low preference ratings (similarity 0.79)

Broader Connections

• Ignoring resonance Q can under-predict listener dislike of specific headphones #qualifies (0.85)
• Turning down volume suppresses perceived bass and treble relative to midrange #contradicts (0.75) — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 626
• Headphone test-fixture measurements often fail to predict what individual listeners hear #complicates (0.72)