The perception and measurement of headphone sound quality

We recently completed a 7-year research project aimed at understanding the perception and measurement of headphone sound quality. A virtual headphone listening test method was developed to provide controlled, double-blind comparisons of different models of headphones and target response curves using a large number of trained and untrained listeners in USA, Canada, Germany, and China. From these data, we identified a new headphone target curve that is preferred by the majority of listeners. Statistical models were developed that predict listeners’ headphone sound quality ratings based on objective headphone measurements. More recently, cluster analysis of headphone listening test data has shown there are three segments or classes of listeners based on similarities in their headphone sound preferences. Both demographic (i.e., age, gender, listening experience) and acoustic factors are associated with membership in each headphone segment. This information can help guide future headphone design that is aimed at a specific class or segment of listener.