This paper examines loudspeaker nonlinearities at bass frequencies in closed and reflex enclosures using signal analysis and perceptual evaluation methods. The nonlinearities are investigated by driving the loudspeakers to be compared with sinusoidal and musical test tones. The produced responses are evaluated in terms of diaphragm displacement, harmonic distortion, and bandwise distortion. In addition, a listening experiment is conducted in order to determine how the nonlinearities are perceived in both reflex and closed enclosures. The results show that with signals that have energy close to the tuning frequency of the reflex port produce more distortion with the closed enclosure. On the other hand, acoustic bass test tone behaved in an opposite way causing more distortion with the reflex enclosure. These phenomena were verified with the listening tests.

Authors: Ahonen, Jukka; Karjalainen, Matti; Rauhala, Jukka; Tikander, Miikka
Affiliation: Laboratory of Acoustics and Audio Signal Processing, TKK
AES Convention: 124 (May 2008) Paper Number: 7346
Publication Date: May 1, 2008
Subject: Microphones and Loudspeakers

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