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.
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). |
@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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@daveinpa Nice choice! May I ask how long it took for the Pontus to arrive once ordered? Denafrips is a good example of a generally well respected name in the reviewer world. The Pontus has not been reviewed on ASR but I looked and saw the Ares was and surprise surprise it measured well! Hope you enjoy it for many years! |
