Authenticity and Naturalness of Binaural Reproduction via Headphones regarding Different Equalization Methods

Not only a suitable localization performance, but also the plausibility and authenticity of the played scene are major criteria for a successful binaural reproduction. It is therefore important to examine whether the binaural reproduction can be perceptually distinguished from a real source. The aim of the presented investigation is to analyze the quality and reliability of binaural reproduction via headphones, especially for further investigations in a joint project on selective auditive attention [3]. Building on results of different measurements already published by Fels et al. [2], listening tests with a total of 80 participants were carried out. A similar approach with however a different focus has been published by Scharer and Lindau [4]. Moreover, two different microphone setups (miniature microphone in open dome and ear plug) used for individualized Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) and Headphone Transfer Function (HpTF) measurements were compared.