The direct, on-axis sound dominates perceived loudspeaker quality in rooms.

Evidence

From double-blind tests reported in 1986, listeners have indicated that the direct sound, the on-axis frequency response, is the dominant factor in deciding perceived sound quality in rooms. It has been verified in different ways since, as described in this book. The room curves are results, not targets because they are dominated by off-axis sound radiation, and loudspeakers differ in their frequency-dependent directivities. Only at short listening distances or in very dead rooms would the room curve be similar to the on-axis or listening window curve. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1930

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines the conceptual distinction between room curves (results) and direct sound (target) that anchors the whole chapter.
• XREF: Connects to the room-curve vs. direct-sound controversy in loudspeaker reviews and EQ discussions. — connects to: In domestic listening rooms the reverberant field dominates the direct sound. — David Howard, Jamie Angus, coustics and Psychoacoustics, 1834