Tone-control adjustments are easily heard because low-Q resonance thresholds are tiny

Evidence

The detection thresholds for low-Q resonances are astonishingly low, explaining why small changes in spectral balance or tone-control adjustments are easily heard. These probably represent the most demanding criteria for identifying audible resonances in frequency response curves. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 506

Categorization

• XREF: Explains listener audibility of EQ and tone-control steps — connects to the perceptual side of whether ±3 dB speaker specs matter.