Judgments and dimension analyses of perceived sound quality of sound-reproducing systems

In two experiments two or three subject groups—“listeners in general” (L), musicians (M), and “hi-fi subjects” (HF)—made evaluative ratings, similarity ratings, and verbal descriptions concerning different sound-reproductions of certain music sections. The reliabilities of the ratings were in general high. Interactions between reproductions and music sections appeared, giving different ratings/rankings of reproductions at different music sections. Some differences in ratings between the L group and the other groups were suggested. Dimension analyses revealed some dimensions as “distinctness,” “brightness,” and “loudness.” Other possible dimensions were suggested by the verbal descriptions.