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.
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.