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Blind Listening Tests?

I would like help locating any articles or studies on the subject of blind listening tests as it relates to high end audio equipment. I realize this is akin to blasphemy for many who are into this hobby, however, the more times I read of people claiming to hear audible differences between certain components and system set-ups, the more skeptical I become.(e.g. equipment racks ,interconnects,etc.)The fact that virtually every major audio publication is so adamently against the idea only adds to my skepticism.

Before I invoke the wrath of this site's faithful, let me clarify that I am not doubting the sincerity of those who claim to hear sonic differences between certain components. However, believing that an audible difference exists when one knows that he is listening to a piece of equipment that is generally well regarded or made by a well respected manufacturer is entirely different from being able to detect the difference in a blind listening scenario. Given the undisputed connection between the mind and our perceptions, why is there so much sentiment against such tests? Couldn't the results of such testing be simply another piece of information that we could factor in to our purchasing decisions. It seems to me that those who are so sure of ther critical listening ability (i.e. all stereophile reviewers) should not hesitate to prove their skills.

I look forward to any help in directing me to more information on the subject.Thanks, Don.
dtittle
jadem6's avatar
jadem6
1,074 posts
 
Sorry Detlof, humor is not allowed on any Audiogon thread. I've now led you down the wrong path. I've got a -3,-1 for my humor and only a +2,+2 for what I thought was a good discription of blind testing. Oh well, rather the meek have the chance to punch there little down thumb than coming out in public disaproval of a joke. Come on you negitive voters, have the guts to write out your disaproval! J.D.
P.S. 16, I'll keep that in mind. I can easaly find them around a house with an 18 year old son and a 16 year old daughter. I let you know what I find ( I was going to say something else, but the panel of voters are watching)
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Well,I was trying to get Ray Charles;or Stevie Wonder to come over but they had plans.Listening is so subjective; what care I if someone likes "this" over "that"? Most of "my" listening is done while I'm here. No "head in a vise" for me. I wished I could have voted for Cwlondon's post 10x's.I just got a new/used amp;I'm not listening in a frozen state of attention;things just jump out and smack me in the ears(differences)/and make me stop typing and "suck-me-in". I can clearly hear what is bettered;and what is not.(CJ 5 vs Jadis 7 mk 4.) I could hear these differences blindfolded/ or if I were deaf(probably am).I'm not insecure enough (in this area) to have need for the blindfold, (yet).
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Musicians have to be trained to listen to "systems" in very much the same way we've trained our listening acuity through the long years of our hobby. This is, because when you sit and perform in the middle of other performers, such things as soundstage, depth, et al is not of your concern and music on stage is perceived very differently from say a listening position in a hall or a club. So Stevie Wonder or Ray Charles would have been of little use to you anyway. But then I forgot, it would have been a social gathering, since you would not need their opinion anyway. Basically though, I agree with you, George. Through the years, you learn to trust your ears, you learn where you preferences are and you build your systems around those. I would rate personal contentment higher than the quest for an absolute, which you will only find in a live event anyway. All the same, I sometimes appreciate the opinion of a musically educated person, because I, like all of us, have my aural "blind" spots.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Oh,I forgot/ the last test I took: I studied for hours on end. I only got a C- on my urine test. Sorry, I just want to poke some fun here. I don't think listening to music has to be that complicated. Yes, I have room treatments, power cords,isolation bases and the like. Don't you dare remove or exchange any one of these while I'm away ;I'll drive myself crazy trying to figure out what happened.
dtittle OP
6 posts
 
Having started this I would like to jump back in and respond to a few of the above posts. First, I am not trying to imply that their are not clear differences between many products. However, since many of us do not have the opportunity, due to time or money constraints, to conduct our own blind tests of the products we are considering we must rely on the reviews of others, particularly the audio press.Given this fact, I want some assurance that the claims being made can,at least to some degree, be proven(and yes I realize music is inherantly subjective).So,again, why not make blind testing part of the process. Isn't more info always better than less??

As for why I want to see some actual studies done on this subject, its because there is a part of me that wonders if all of this isn't part of a giant marketing scam. I hope not, but I'm still curious. The next time you read an audio review take a step back and look at what is actually being said. Words like "timbre" "bloom" "etchiness" "open" etc,etc. are easy to throw around, but if someone is not willing to submit to listening tests then my guess is it is because they might end up looking foolish.

In response to Garfish,(whose posts I always find informative) I have Krell electronics, B&W 804's, audioquest interconnects and cables.

I look forward to all comments!
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