Perceived sound quality of sound‐reproducing systems

Perceived sound quality of loudspeakers, headphones, and hearing aids was investigated by multivariate techniques from experimental psychology with the purpose (a) to find out and interpret the meaning of relevant dimensions in perceived sound quality, (b) find out the positions of the investigated systems in these dimensions, (c) explore the relations between the perceptual dimensions and the physical characteristics of the systems, and (d) explore the relations between the perceptual dimensions and overall evaluations of the systems. The resulting dimensions were interpreted as ’’clearness/distinctness,’’ ’’sharpness/hardness–softness,’’ ’’brightness–darkness,’’ ’’fullness–thinness,’’ ’’feeling of space,’’ ’’nearness,’’ ’’disturbing sounds,’’ and ’’loudness.’’ Their relations to physical variables were explored by studying the positions of the investigated systems in the respective dimensions. Their relations to overall evaluations were studied, and the implications of the investigations for continued research are discussed.