Spectral Latency and Information Routing in Asymmetric Black Hole Ringdowns

We analyze publicly available LIGO–Virgo strain data from asymmetric black hole mergers and identify a systematic spectral latency in the ringdown phase. Deviations between observed quasi-normal mode frequencies and Kerr predictions are shown to correlate with an independently measured coherence loss parameter. This behavior is reproducible across multiple events and enables a successful pre-registered prediction for GW190814. The results are consistent with general relativity and suggest an effective information-routing process in the post-merger dynamics, leading to measurable delays in spectral response. While not replacing the Kerr description, this effect provides an additional observational handle on black hole ringdown structure.