Correlations between harmonic distortion, sound field characteristics and reproduced sound quality change in listening tests for loudspeakers

Abstract

This paper examines whether or not distortion actually has an effect on perceived sound quality when the amount of harmonic distortion caused by a loudspeaker is near the previously reported threshold values of 2 to 10%. For this evaluation, three physical measurements and two listening tests are performed with full-range cone and horn loudspeaker types. According to correlation analysis between the two domain measurements, the total harmonics of 0.6 to 3% are in close correlation to the subjective evaluation data. As a result, the aural detection threshold for harmonic distortion is assumed to be much lower than the previously reported values. Additionally, it appears that most of the difference in sound quality can be explained by three physical characteristics; harmonic distortion, partial-space-power frequency response and dispersion index.