4 HN users recommended this lecture6 months2019–2026score 6.5
Years with an HN recommendation, 2007–2026
HN recommends it as a crash course on audio reproduction science, especially the finding that listeners reliably prefer more accurate speakers in blind tests.
Floyd Toole's CIRMMT distinguished lecture on the science of sound reproduction, drawing on decades of blind listening research. It covers what listeners prefer in loudspeakers and why measured accuracy and anechoic response matter.
“In blind testing, the average listener reliably prefers the more accurate speaker.” (HN, 2023)
This is actually a common misconception. In blind testing, the average listener reliably prefers the more accurate speaker. There is a talk [1] by Dr. Floyd Toole that is an excellent crash course on the science of sound reproduction and listener preference. [1] [this video]
Crash course on sound reproduction science and listener preference
False. Rigorous double blind a/b/c/d tests using real listeners has been performed, and the research has been published in peer reviewed journals since the 80's. What has happened is that most of the audiophile community saw research as a threat to their revenue streams and actively FUD around it. And the audio engineering community has simply moved on. Here is a talk that could be very informative. [this video] His book is worth a read as well.
Toole talk on blind-test research in sound reproduction
It's an article written by Floyd E. Toole, Ph.D., who was Vice President - Acoustical Engineering at Harman International from 1991 until he retired in 2007. "His research focused primarily on the acoustics and psychoacoustics of sound reproduction. Most notably, he established methods for subjective and objective evaluations which have been used to clarify the relationships between technical measurements of loudspeakers and listeners’ perceptions." From [link] > ...there really is such a thing as being "good enough for rock and roll". Here's a lecture by the same author, given at CIRMMT Distinguished Lectures in the Science and Technology of Music. [this video] - Floyd Toole - Sound reproduction – art and science/opinions and facts
Lecture by Floyd Toole on science of sound reproduction
FYI, when attempting to apply this to speakers, the anechoic frequency response is required. If you try to equalize for flat-in-room response, the results are terrible. See this video[1] for loads more information and context. [1] [this video]
EQing for a flat in room response is NOT ideal! Correcting a speaker requires measuring the *anechoic* response, and only the bass should be tuned to subtract the room's effect. This video [1] provides a crash course on science of audio reproduction. [1] [this video]
No mention of Toole? Obligatory considering the subject, even if it's about acoustics and not digital audio: [link] And a talk by the author covering some of the material for those who prefer that: [this video]
Toole's talk covering his research for those preferring video
Video list and Hacker News comment labels from HackerTube (prompted by @karpathy), released under ODC-By 1.0, built on the open-index/hacker-news archive. Hacker News data is provided by Y Combinator; comments remain the work of their authors. Video titles, channel names and thumbnails belong to their creators and are shown via YouTube. HackerTube Watch is an unofficial edition. Data export of 2026-10-31.
Plays via YouTube's privacy-enhanced embed
6 Hacker News comments
From the HN archive; up to 20 kept per video, favoring different commenters. Recommendations first.
Read more