Brad, it is very easy to fall for this. I think most of us have at one time or another. Many here obviously still do. You can not evaluate sound quality this way as your own internal biases can affect the outcome even when you are sure they can't. In short, you can remember what you heard but you can't remember what you heard sounded like even if you attempt to characterize it. It is impossible, none of us can because out brains are not wired to do this. People are dead certain there heard a difference which births the mythology and an industry base on psychological deception.
To do this correctly you have to go switch back and forth between the two possibilities. When you do this you will realize you can not hear a difference. Since this is difficult to do under most instances without special equipment it is hardly if ever done. The reviewer's certainly won't. That would be like politicians voting in term limits.
Your initial instinct was correct. Stick with it.
I don't believe I've ever read where someone practically commands another to not hear something and to only believe what he tells them.
Amazing.
All the best,
Nonoise