Developing a Method for the Subjective Evaluation of Smartphone Music Playback

摘要

To determine the preferred audio characteristics for media playback over smartphones, a series of controlled double-blind listening experiments were run to evaluate the subjective playback quality of six high-end smartphones. Listeners rated products based on their audio quality preference and left comments categorized by attribute. The devices were tested in different orientations in level-matched and maximum-volume scenarios. Positional variation and biases were accounted for using a motorized turntable and audio playback was controlled remotely. Test results were compared to spatially-averaged measurements made using a multitone stimulus and demonstrated that the smoothness of frequency response was a key aspect in smartphone preference. Low-frequency extension, decreased levels of distortion and higher maximum playback levels did not directly correlate with increased preference.