FACT! If you were to take all of the major audio magazine editors and reviewers, you know, the ones you trust your thousands of dollars with, and had them BLIND test every component (excluding speakers)From the cheapest to the most insanely expensive, and then had them write a full review on each one the results would be shocking!! The reason they don't do this is because (1) they would certainly lose business from the big players and (2) they would emberrass the sh** out of themselves. Personaly, I think that a professional reviewer that claims he can hear the difference after installing cones on the underside of his amp is full of crap! What's even funnier is that this same reviewer claims to hear suttle differences after he turns the cones up-side-down!!! Please, folks, get real. If modern technology cannot detect a sonic difference, neither can you. If you want to save yourself thousands of dollars on audio equipment, try LISTENING without knowing the brand name, model, or price. You may feel like a fool but believe me, the salesman will respect you for it.
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.
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.
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- 69 posts total
- 69 posts total