This paper describes the experimental design of two subjective tests designed to study the perceptual nature of spatial sound reproduction systems. This issue is considered in terms of the multidimensional nature (attributes) of the perceptual space and how these attributes relate to subjective preference judgements. The experiments, comprising a paired comparison preference task and a single stimulus direct attribute rating experiment, are outlined. The methods of recording, generation, and reproduction of the sound samples are presented. A total of eight reproduction systems were employed, ranging from mono, several stereo systems, five channel and periphonic. Thirteen acoustics environments were considered for each system. This sample set forms the basis for an extensive preference mapping experiment to help unravel how we perceive the quality of spatial sound reproduction systems.