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How are you hearing no difference?

In my experience, I've never heard two pre-amps that sound exactly the same, nor two DACs that sound the same, nor two amps...etc. Yet, occasionally someone will claim that they heard no difference between Product A and Product B in their system.  I find it difficult to believe.
128x1284hannons
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cleeds
6,033 posts
 
n80
I do not think it would be that difficult at all to design a randomized, double blinded study for audiophiles. I'm not saying it wouldn't be a little complex but it wouldn't be hard.
It's fairly easy to design such a test, but it is a real challenge to actually conduct such a test if you want it to be scientifically valid. It's a tedious and laborious undertaking on the parts of all, including the test subjects. 
The issue is who would need such a test and why. I do not think it is useful for an individual audiophile for whom the only determinant is "what do I like better". 
Agreed!
4hannons's avatar
4hannons OP
187 posts
 

n80 - I don't find it useful when someone describes two components sounding the same, that's my point. It just makes sense to me to find the difference if you've taken an interest to compare. Notice I'm not saying "better", a subjective term but sometimes useful.  I suppose someone can argue that the term "different" is subjective as to the skill of the listener, the equipment, if detectable, etc.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,505 posts
 
It can happen.
inna
7,458 posts
 
n80, right.
bigkidz
3,406 posts
 

4hannons 

Some very good points made here. I take care quite often to have a friend come help blind test; I also compare over time, and get my wife's "golden ears" opinion until she gets annoyed (humor).

I understand and agree that certain components will sound similar, especially DAC's. I've had to do some very careful listening to reveal the smallest of differences. On one occasion, the difference was so slight, it came down to a two second section where I could hear a difference of a faint bongo beat that DAC A presented with more percussion than DAC B (about the 6:56-58 mark on the song "Morning Mist" performed by Ahmad Jamal). 


IMO if you have to have a friend come over, or take more time then there is probably very little difference.  When I demo one of my products, if you don't hear a dramatic difference within about 30 seconds, then take it out and be happy with what you have.


Happy Listening.


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