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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
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!
rzado
175 posts
 
The following article addresses the subject of double blind listening as it applies to high-end audio:

C.J. Huss, J. Gordon Holt, Larry Archibald, et.al., "The Highs & Lows of Double-Blind Testing", Stereophile Vol.8 No.5 (May, 1985).

It can be found on the Stereophile web site in the archives section.
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drubin
3,275 posts
 
Is it insecurity to need a blind test or is it insecurity to reject or fear such a test?
dudleydog63's avatar
dudleydog63
105 posts
 
Don: First of all, there is a difference between a "blind test" and an "objective test." All objective tests are blind (double-blind, actually), but not all blind tests are objective. It's still possible to be fooled into thinking a difference exists when you're listening blind. As for references, check out the "official" ABX page:

http://oeonline.com/~dcarlst/abx.htm

It contains background info, plus a list of articles that discuss or use ABX testing.

Your skepticism is quite justified. The primary reason magazines do not do objective testing is that it would leave them with too little to write about. Besides, it would really tick off a whole bunch of advertisers. The exception, of course, is The Audio Critic, which you should also check out.
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