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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
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djones51
4,947 posts
 

I'm not sure where this notion that audio precision is sceptical of their products ability to measure. Are they looking to improve their products? Certainly what company isn't. But if this idea has come about from a YouTube circulating from an engineer from AP then you need to watch it again. He isn't saying their device is lacking in measuring but that some companies cherry pick measurements performed by an AP device so consumers need to be wary when looking at company advertised SPECs which are not the measurements. 

djones51
4,947 posts
 

Oh, the latest PS Audio YouTube is missing the objection to the device they aren't measuring the HC outlets. It's more smoke and mirrors from PS Audio  for their fanbois.

invalid
1,245 posts
 

I'm sure a lot of the equipment that audio science review gives great reviews for is the same stuff Amir sells at Madrona Digital.

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bruce19
275 posts
 

What I take as Amir's main point seems to be lost among the personal attacks on him, most of which appear sadly mis-informed. What I hear him saying to the manufacturers of equipment which does poorly in his tests is "show us your data." Or conversely, "admit that you have no data." That's it. Simple. Then consumers can decide.

What we see from some of the worst offenders is a lot of technical sounding talk  which suggests a technical underpinning to their claims but zero data. Did they design their product with no measurements? Perhaps. Then tell us that.

I picture a cable maker for instance that soaks his wires in vinegar then declares they sound better to him. Well more power to you buddy! But if you want me to buy it you don't have to divulge your proprietary secret, just give me something more than techno mumble jumble. If indeed the improvement cannot be measured with current technology (a possibility I am willing to concede) and the manufacturer is not willing to foot the expense of well conducted, objectively fair listening tests to support their claim then  I guess it is a true "audiophile grade" product.  Does it makes things sound better? Depends on who is doing the listening and what they ate for breakfast and whether they tripped over the dog while leaving the house this morning, I guess.

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