144K views · May 14, 2015 · 1:13:57 · 4 HN recommenders · 6 mentions · discussed 2019–2026
Floyd Toole's CIRMMT distinguished lecture on the science of sound reproduction, drawing on decades of blind listening research. It covers what listeners prefer in loudspeakers and why measured accuracy and anechoic response matter.
Why Hacker News points people here: HN recommends it as a crash course on audio reproduction science, especially the finding that listeners reliably prefer more accurate speakers in blind tests.
“In blind testing, the average listener reliably prefers the more accurate speaker.”HN comment, 2023
“In blind testing, the average listener reliably prefers the more accurate speaker.”
Crash course on sound reproduction science and listener preference
This is actually a common misconception. In blind testing, the average listener reliably prefers the more accurate speaker. There is a talk [1] by Dr. Floyd Toole that is an excellent crash course on the science of sound reproduction and listener preference. [1] this video
“Here is a talk that could be very informative.”
Toole talk on blind-test research in sound reproduction
False. Rigorous double blind a/b/c/d tests using real listeners has been performed, and the research has been published in peer reviewed journals since the 80's. What has happened is that most of the audiophile community saw research as a threat to their revenue streams and actively FUD around it. And the audio engineering community has simply moved on. Here is a talk that could be very informative. this video His book is worth a read as well.
“Here's a lecture by the same author, given at CIRMMT Distinguished Lectures in the Science and Technology of Music.”
Lecture by Floyd Toole on science of sound reproduction
It's an article written by Floyd E. Toole, Ph.D., who was Vice President - Acoustical Engineering at Harman International from 1991 until he retired in 2007. "His research focused primarily on the acoustics and psychoacoustics of sound reproduction. Most notably, he established methods for subjective and objective evaluations which have been used to clarify the relationships between technical measurements of loudspeakers and listeners’ perceptions." From link > ...there really is such a thing as being "good enough for rock and roll". Here's a lecture by the same author, given at CIRMMT Distinguished Lectures in the Science and Technology of Music. this video - Floyd Toole - Sound reproduction – art and science/opinions and facts
“the anechoic frequency response is required”
Context on why speaker EQ needs anechoic response
FYI, when attempting to apply this to speakers, the anechoic frequency response is required. If you try to equalize for flat-in-room response, the results are terrible. See this video[1] for loads more information and context. [1] this video
“This video [1] provides a crash course on science of audio reproduction.”
Crash course on science of audio reproduction
EQing for a flat in room response is NOT ideal! Correcting a speaker requires measuring the *anechoic* response, and only the bass should be tuned to subtract the room's effect. This video [1] provides a crash course on science of audio reproduction. [1] this video
“And a talk by the author covering some of the material for those who prefer that”
Toole's talk covering his research for those preferring video
No mention of Toole? Obligatory considering the subject, even if it's about acoustics and not digital audio: link And a talk by the author covering some of the material for those who prefer that: this video
