Stereophile spec measurement baffling(pun?)

The industrial standard should have always been -3dB or -1.5dB. The perceived sound level drops 19% at -3dB instead of 34% at -6dB. More restricted tolerance is -1.5dB, where the perceived sound level only drops 10%, making it more appropriate threshold for defining roll-off tolerance in anechoic room setting.

Agreed. Stereophile is respected for its balance of objectivity and subjectivity, with extensive listening tests backed by proper measurements. ASR and AS, on the other hand, represent two extreme ends of the spectrum, though they shouldn't be discredited for what they contribute. Audiophiles simply need to digest the information more intelligently.