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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
noske
783 posts
 

@redlenses03 Actually, it was a mistake to even respond to this topic,

No, I would welcome an impartial review and assessment of ASR. One which is inherently hostile to the approach only serves to alienate interested people seeking truths.

The latest link you provided was to a very brief discussion of transients about which I know nothing, and should that be a material shortcoming in the approach then a discussion may be valuable. These things have probably been thought of and perhaps discarded. Or something? Who knows.

The limitations of SINAD  beyond a certain level are known and hardly need elaborating upon.

noske
783 posts
 

@daveinpa And i'm sure you can have crappy measurements and it does sound great. But its nice to see good measurements for something you've spent a lot on.

I wouldn't even go as far as saying that its nice to see *good* measurements for something, because that word is in itself a judgement, as is *crappy*.

Its just nice to see measurements.   Only a few years ago all we had was specs, which as we now know could be of limited use at best (at worst, deceptive).

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cleeds
5,986 posts
 
mijostyn

 

The problem for many people is they trust their own perception.

It's a problem for you, apparently.

The result of all this is an entire industry based on deception.

That's amazing! An entire industry built on fraud! Yet - somehow - you've managed to pierce the deception and divine The Truth.

Yea, the real problem must be my perceptions. It can't possibly be anything else.

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 

@cleeds , Hi cleeds. Nice to hear from you again.

When it comes to hearing memory your perceptions are every bit as faulty as mine. 

There is a large industry dedicated to the manufacture of excellent audio gear. Then there is an industry based on deception and pseudo science bent on using our weaknesses to make a profit. I suppose you find that ethical? 

As I said before, it is not my money and aside from speaking out on what should be obvious to everyone I really do not care. 

I have assembled what most people would consider to be an excellent system. I do not have any aftermarket power cords or fancy interconnects. I have not one piece of power management or purification gear. It is certainly not because I can't afford it. I just ordered a Lyra Atlas Lambda SL. Does the performance of my system suffer? I do not know, maybe? I prefer to spend my money of gear that is more likely to make an improvement based on my own understanding of the science involved. Everyone else is entitled to make their own choices. Using your hearing as the only gauge to make these choices is IMHO a mistake. 

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