It depends on the timbre, the frequency makeup, of the sound. If all frequencies present are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency, a 2:1 ratio will line up all the frequencies nicely, which "sounds right."
This frequency relationship is approximately true for many, but not all, acoustic instruments.
The mp3 at the above website called "Challenging the octave" gives an example of a bell that sounds more in tune when the "octave" is a frequency ratio of 2.1 vs the usual 2.
If you have any interest in music theory, even if you've already studied traditional western music theory, read Dr. Sethares' work on the subject: http://sethares.engr.wisc.edu/ttss.html (He was mentioned elsewhere in the comments, but he's too awesome to risk missing.)
This frequency relationship is approximately true for many, but not all, acoustic instruments.
http://sethares.engr.wisc.edu/html/soundexamples.html
The mp3 at the above website called "Challenging the octave" gives an example of a bell that sounds more in tune when the "octave" is a frequency ratio of 2.1 vs the usual 2.
If you have any interest in music theory, even if you've already studied traditional western music theory, read Dr. Sethares' work on the subject: http://sethares.engr.wisc.edu/ttss.html (He was mentioned elsewhere in the comments, but he's too awesome to risk missing.)