Whoa, brave question, but I am glad you raised it.
I used to work in the Pharma industry and know that the placebo effect can have a big effect on what you perceive. I mean, people have been operated on without anaesthetic and not felt pain thanks to placebo. I have been tested myself and honestly reported experiences that subsequent video evidence showed me did not happen, even though I clearly remember it. Our preconceived notions affect what we sense. Placebo is everywhere, making us unreliable witnesses; so placebo must be a factor in audio, like it or not. It's something we have to deal with, watch out for. I try to manage myself, but it is tough. Some examples:
A few of times I have gone into a headphone store, and just gone down the line, sticking on 'phones, coming to snap, completely unfair, opinions. When I find one that sounds nice, I think, oooo nice, and look at the sticker and usually find it's the dang most expensive pair on display. Maybe my brain is quietly figuring out brands, and position in the line up, or the build quality, so I can't be sure if they really sound better. But to me, they do.
Certainly with wine I can spot a nice wine from a poor one, even if I can't see the labels.
When I bough my first proper record player (back in the day) I went in asking to hear a Linn and the guy spent 2 hours playing us (I had brought a wingman) various decks, which I could not see, but were all similar price. Both of us had a strong preference for one. I bought it never having seen it during the demo or knowing anything about the company or ever having read a review. So I sort of managed placebo there.
I have a little personal HiFi scale. 1) I notice a big improvement, and so does my partner, even though I try not to let on that I have been fiddling or buying gear. 2) I notice some improvement and my other half does not immediately, but does start saying things like "sounding nice tonight" or some sort of complement. 3) She notices nothing and I think I do but am not sure. Placebo is lurking in level 3, and maybe level 2.
Examples of level 1 improvement: replacing a small cheap amp with a KSA Krell.
Of level 2: cartridges, DACs
Of level 1: cables (sorry). I have strong opinions about cables, but I accept that placebo might be playing a role in what I hear.
Don't kill me.
I used to work in the Pharma industry and know that the placebo effect can have a big effect on what you perceive. I mean, people have been operated on without anaesthetic and not felt pain thanks to placebo. I have been tested myself and honestly reported experiences that subsequent video evidence showed me did not happen, even though I clearly remember it. Our preconceived notions affect what we sense. Placebo is everywhere, making us unreliable witnesses; so placebo must be a factor in audio, like it or not. It's something we have to deal with, watch out for. I try to manage myself, but it is tough. Some examples:
A few of times I have gone into a headphone store, and just gone down the line, sticking on 'phones, coming to snap, completely unfair, opinions. When I find one that sounds nice, I think, oooo nice, and look at the sticker and usually find it's the dang most expensive pair on display. Maybe my brain is quietly figuring out brands, and position in the line up, or the build quality, so I can't be sure if they really sound better. But to me, they do.
Certainly with wine I can spot a nice wine from a poor one, even if I can't see the labels.
When I bough my first proper record player (back in the day) I went in asking to hear a Linn and the guy spent 2 hours playing us (I had brought a wingman) various decks, which I could not see, but were all similar price. Both of us had a strong preference for one. I bought it never having seen it during the demo or knowing anything about the company or ever having read a review. So I sort of managed placebo there.
I have a little personal HiFi scale. 1) I notice a big improvement, and so does my partner, even though I try not to let on that I have been fiddling or buying gear. 2) I notice some improvement and my other half does not immediately, but does start saying things like "sounding nice tonight" or some sort of complement. 3) She notices nothing and I think I do but am not sure. Placebo is lurking in level 3, and maybe level 2.
Examples of level 1 improvement: replacing a small cheap amp with a KSA Krell.
Of level 2: cartridges, DACs
Of level 1: cables (sorry). I have strong opinions about cables, but I accept that placebo might be playing a role in what I hear.
Don't kill me.