---
title: "A Perceptual Evaluation of Individual and Non-Individual HRTFs: A Case Study of the SADIE II Database"
authors: ["Cal Armstrong", "Lewis Thresh", "Damian Murphy", "Gavin Kearney"]
year: 2018
venue: "Applied Sciences"
arxiv: null
doi: "10.3390/app8112029"
source: "https://doi.org/10.3390/app8112029"
topics: [hrtf, measurement]
seed_rank: 1691
seed_batch: "audio-harvest-2026-09-09"
reviewed: "2026-09-09"
pool: "realtime"
relevance_score: 9
lineage: hrtf-spatial-audio
cites:
  - title: "HRTF measurements of a KEMAR"
    url: "https://doi.org/10.1121/1.412407"
    year: 1995
    arxiv: null
    doi: "10.1121/1.412407"
  - title: "The CIPIC HRTF database"
    url: "https://doi.org/10.1109/aspaa.2001.969552"
    year: 2001
    arxiv: null
    doi: "10.1109/aspaa.2001.969552"
  - title: "Localization using nonindividualized head-related transfer functions"
    url: "https://doi.org/10.1121/1.407089"
    year: 1993
    arxiv: null
    doi: "10.1121/1.407089"
see:
  - "1675-hrtf-measurements-of-a-kemar"
  - "1684-the-cipic-hrtf-database"
  - "1681-localization-using-nonindividualized-head-related-transfer-functions"
---

# A Perceptual Evaluation of Individual and Non-Individual HRTFs: A Case Study of the SADIE II Database

## One-sentence takeaway

SADIE II: high-resolution measured HRTFs plus a perceptual test of individual vs generic sets — the modern 'is personalization worth it' case study.

## Why it matters here

York SADIE is what Ambisonic/binaural research (MagLS, I3DA) actually convolves. Armstrong et al. 2018 Applied Sciences evaluates individual vs generic localization/timbre. Anoptic VR: SADIE as the high-res measured set; CIPIC as anthropometry; KEMAR as the tiny fallback.

## Key ideas

- **SADIE II database.** Dense spatial HRTFs, multiple subjects, research-friendly.
- **Individual vs generic.** Perceptual listening, not just spectral L2.
- **Applied Sciences 2018 OA.** Easy to link; harvest quality 9.
- **Feeds MagLS papers** that need a real HRTF, not a spherical-head model.

## Caveats

Still measured far-field HRTF, not a BRIR (room). Subject count ≪ HUTUBS/SONICOM. Headphone EQ still required (Møller).

## Links

- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app8112029