Amir and Blind Testing


Let me start by saying I like watching Amir from ASR, so please let’s not get harsh or the thread will be deleted. Many times, Amir has noted that when we’re inserting a new component in our system, our brains go into (to paraphrase) “analytical mode” and we start hearing imaginary improvements. He has reiterated this many times, saying that when he switched to an expensive cable he heard improvements, but when he switched back to the cheap one, he also heard improvements because the brain switches from “music enjoyment mode” to “analytical mode.” Following this logic, which I agree with, wouldn’t blind testing, or any A/B testing be compromised because our brains are always in analytical mode and therefore feeding us inaccurate data? Seems to me you need to relax for a few hours at least and listen to a variety of music before your brain can accurately assess whether something is an actual improvement.  Perhaps A/B testing is a strawman argument, because the human brain is not a spectrum analyzer.  We are too affected by our biases to come up with any valid data.  Maybe. 

chayro

If what has been promoted was marketing and snake oil and the earth didn’t move for you? It is common, yes, if people are honest.

Alternatively, you may have preferences, and the reviewer or whoever it was that lead you to have this preconceived expectation, had other preferences.   And again, that is common.

Neither of those hypotheticals would explain why a cable might not meet expectations, as, according to many, they shouldn't make any difference at all!

 

Neither of those hypotheticals would explain why a cable might not meet expectations, as, according to many, they shouldn’t make any difference at all!

My two possibilities are clearly not the only reasons, I just threw in a couple suggestions.

What do you suggest could be a reason that a cable may not meet expectations in the context of this thread?  Is this a common experience?

Incidentally, the level matching thing I wrote about earlier may not be such an issue with cables, although someone with specific experience may correct me.

Seems to me you need to relax for a few hours at least and listen to a variety of music before your brain can accurately assess whether something is an actual improvement. 

I can get the feel of a new piece of gear in a few days but it takes longer than that to play enough different pieces of music to get the final answer. After a few days, it would be hard to fool your brain into thinking that something was better if it is not. Long term testing is the only way equipment can be reviewed. 

Amir limited argument apply only for ONE change...

In an incremental ongoing process of MULTIPLE ORIENTED changes like adding multiple devices to controls the mechanical, electrical and acoustical working dimensions of our audio system, and for the tuning process of our room/speakers, our own LEARNED biases and audio history are an advantage and a tool and they are also our perspective peripheral original vision who make us able to focus on some center of attention at will... It is not only an analytical habit it is ALSO a synthesis of our sound interpretative history : a learned set of biases...

All biases are not always bad and a spectral analyser always right...it is not so simplistic...Science is not playing with tools....It is conceptual and experimental...

Acoustic is the main matter in audio not electronic engineering...Sorry for those who dont know this elementary fact ....

Let Amir play with his tools and we will set or system/room like we will like to enjoy it for music...I buy nothing, never upgrade and create my own devices... And i am satisfied ....I dont need obsessed tools fanatics to teach me that adding a quartz crystal+shungite and copper on a cable is stupid... I know what my ears teach me....All my devices cost peanuts but my system dont sound like peanuts...

Why there is not GENERAL acoustic thread in audio forums save precise questions sometimes by some but no GENERAL acoustic thread... I started one and it goes dead in days....

I will say why?

It is because people like Amir and the so called subjectivist think that it is electronic engineering that gives to us sound experience... It is not even wrong.... For me it is IGNORANCE or a lie... It is acoustic and psycho-acoustic that explain sound and give us music and sound higher experience... Not upgrading with the advice of Amir or from a fan of a brand name product...

 

 

My best to all....

 

Perhaps A/B testing is a strawman argument, because the human brain is not a spectrum analyzer. We are too affected by our biases to come up with any valid data. Maybe.

I have to chime in here just to say that I am gratified to see an actual discussion of a topic as opposed to the “wresting-match” mentality these things often take on. DCS vs MSB. Bruno Sammartino vs Dr. Tanaka, etc.  Too much of a battle scenario for my taste. Obviously, I was a fan in my younger days, but I prefer a more civilized tone for audio. Just my opinion.