To conclude a discussion in another news group, I am looking for
primary citable sources on exactly what is the minimum increase in
sound pressure level to produce a "just noticeable" difference in
loudness across a statistically significant sample of the general
population.
I have found conflicting claims, from seemingly authoritative sources,
for values from 1dB to ~2.5dB. However, none of them points to
citable experimental proofs, and all seem to rely on a "common
knowledge" or a "it has been shown" basis for their statements.
As an broadcasting engineer, I had been taught that the value for
reliable "just noticeably louder" discernment for any large group of
people was around the 2 to 3dB mark, but I cannot locate a proof for
any value?!?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bill
Bill Bolton
Sydney, Australia
