Authors: Dr. Sean E. Olive, John Jackson, Allan Devantier, David Hunt, Sean M. Hess, Harman International

Abstract:
A panel of eight trained listeners gave comparative ratings for five different room correction products based on overall preference and spectral balance. The room corrections were applied to a single loudspeaker/subwoofer in a typical semi-reflective listening room, and evaluated using three different music programs. The same loudspeaker/subwoofer without correction was included as a hidden anchor. The results found significant differences in sound quality among the room correction products based on listeners’ preferences and spectral balance ratings. These differences can be largely explained by examining the steady state, spatially averaged frequency response measurements of the room corrections measured at the listening location.