delkal
What is subject to debate is the actual value of a proper controlled, scientific, double-blind listening test. That debate will continue as long as audiophiles inhabit the planet.
... it appears there is no way to set up a "scientific" test test that will make everyone happy ...I don’t think that’s true. The protocols for a controlled, scientific, double-blind listening test have already been established. They can be cumbersome, so some seek a shortcut to the protocols, which is fine, of course. The only issue is when they also proclaim that their compromised test is as valid as a properly controlled test. That’s a truly odd claim, but there are only one or two people here asserting it.
What is subject to debate is the actual value of a proper controlled, scientific, double-blind listening test. That debate will continue as long as audiophiles inhabit the planet.
... what about doing something simpler? Just prove to yourself which cable is best for your system (blinded). Have a friend swap the cables for you and you listen and decide ... If you tend to like one over the other that is the cable to use.I think that’s exactly what some audiophiles do. Some make it even simpler and omit the blind cable swap altogether.