Why Do So Many Audiophiles Reject Blind Testing Of Audio Components?

Blind listening tests are not the ultimate, definitive final answer to which products are better.

They're just the best and the most scientific means we have of comparing the sound signatures of different products.

It has been long established that the human mind is subject to a great number of biases and preconceptions when it comes to forming judgements.

Sometimes these biases and preconceptions can be helpful eg if you see a growling dog approach you with its fangs bared, you don't need to think very hard before taking evasive action etc.

Other times they may not be so useful, eg a 50k amp MUST be better than a 1k one.

Therefore since most of these biases are closely linked to sight, it makes good sense to break that link in the first instance when you are looking solely at sound quality, does it not?

Blind listening tests are not perfect, nor were they ever claimed as such.

However, in comparison to sighted listening tests, there is simply no comparison if you what you want is a judgement based primarily upon sound quality.

For me, even the simplest blind listening test is vastly superior to any sighted one. Most of the times I've done one, I've been surprised at the results.

the longer a question exists, the more fundamental the error in the formulation of the question.

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The lack of reconciliation here, and the general kindness of the group that supports the difference in cables, as expressed toward the naysayers..

... vs the general violence expressed by the naysayers, speaks to the understanding that the naysayer group is missing understanding, or data.... within their ideas on the totality of the data required - for the formulation of the question.

Ie, that the naysayers are, generally, not in good enough psychological shape and reach to be asking the question, and the known path of substitute activity for people in such condition where questions ill formed turn to being demands, is to project and possibly act out violence.

This situation of general kindness vs general violence is what we consistently see here, in these areas of clashing.

Because its FUN.

My approach to audio these days really helps me to stay out of these arguments.

it’s simple: I like the way my audio sounds. Until I don’t. And then I fix it. And I have zero expectations of persuading anyone to like what I did to make it sound they way it does. The only audience member that matters is me.

it is so much less stressful. You audiogon folks should try it: the Don’t Worry Be Happy approach to fine listening

My approach to audio these days really helps me to stay out of these arguments.

it’s simple: I like the way my audio sounds. Until I don’t. And then I fix it. And I have zero expectations of persuading anyone to like what I did to make it sound they way it does. The only audience member that matters is me.

it is so much less stressful. You audiogon folks should try it: the Don’t Worry Be Happy approach to fine listening

while there is wisdom in this approach, i have a bit of a different take as to what i try to do here on the a-gon discussion forum

i feel this is a community of hobbyists, and as an experienced member of this community, i am happy to share my experiences if it can help others who need info or are just newer to the hobby and are not on the same point of the learning curve - and of course to continue learning more myself from other well regarded well spoken folks here as well

i think the major pitfall for all those who try to contribute here is to take different views personally and take it as offensive regarding one’s own findings and beliefs... this hobby at its best brings a lot of enjoyment to those who make the effort to build nice systems, and there are so many successful approaches to doing so, not to mention so many differing tastes in what is enjoyed... trick is not to put oneself and oneself’s ego into it...