Relationship between subjective preference and the alpha-brain wave in relation to the initial time delay gap with vocal music

Previously, it was reported that the most preferred initial time delay gap [Delta t(1)](p) and subsequent reverberation time are described by the mini mum value of the effective duration (tau(e))(min) of the running autocorrel ation function (ACF) of music signals (2T = 2.0 s) (Y. ANDO et al. 1989 Jou rnal of Acoustical Society of America 86, 644-649). This paper shows whethe r this result is supported or not by use of the electro-physiological metho d. Experiments were performed for sound fields changing the initial time de lay gap Delta t(1) of a single reflection with vocal music as a source sign al, which has large changes in running tau(e). The results at the time inte rval when (tau(e))(min) Of the music is observed reveal that the scale valu e of subjective preference is closely related to the value of tau(e) of the alpha wave obtained from the left heimsphere. (C) 2000 Academic Press.