| dc.description.abstract | We present an objective perceptual measurement method for the assessment
of the perceived sound quality of loudspeakers, based on the core elements
found in the perceptual evaluation models as developed within ITU. Instead
of quantifying the loudspeaker system itself, the model quantifies the
overall perceived sound quality of loudspeakers by assessing their acoustic
output. This approach introduces a major problem. We cannot provide
an acoustic reference signal to the subject that can be directly compared
to the acoustic degraded loudspeaker output. A solution for this problem is
proposed by creating binaural recordings of the reproduced reference signal
with a Head and Torso Simulator (HATS), using the best quality loudspeakers
available, in the ideal listening spot in the best quality listening environment
available. The reproduced reference signal with the highest subjective
quality given by subjects is compared to the acoustic degraded loudspeaker
output. The model is developed using three large databases that contain binaural
recorded music fragments played over very low, to very high quality
loudspeakers in very low, to very high quality listening rooms. The average
error in percentage between the training (r = 0.90) and the validation of the
model (r = 0.85) is 5.6%, showing the high stability of the model. As such,
the model is a suitable candidate to accurately quantify the sound quality in
loudspeaker reproduction. | |
