Article: "Do Blind Listening Tests Work? My Sessions with the Colorado Audio Society"

I am with @ghdprentice, comparisons of anything, components, cables, etc., all require time. Some differences might be immediately obvious with quick switching, however it frequently takes time and listening to decide on the merits of those differences. And the subtleties take even more time. Nonetheless, it is an interesting study and useful, a good reminder to be aware of our biases. 

I have always allowed myself some amount of time to determine if changing out anything in my system is for the better/same/detrimental. 

  Any obvious and immediate changes are rarely for the better, but unless it is fatigueing, I will continue to listen for some period.

  Time, as others have stated, is the only way I have been able to better understand how the changes I have made are satisfying and to my mind worthy.

@ghdprentice Does a single objectively determined reference audio system even exist? The number of existent variables when it comes to determining some objective audio system boggles the mind. Now we are supposed to believe live music is the 'absolute sound', this is to be our reference as to how our systems should sound. The number of variables even without any amplification/sound reinforcement are far too numerous to mention. And then we have amplified/sound reinforced music, good luck with that. And then we have the recording itself, you'd have to have been at the recording venue on the day of the recording, and then so many issues with that. And then we have the playback of recordings, the gist of what we're talking about. Again, is there some objective reference system or component for that matter to which we can compare all other systems/components? My claim is there is inherent bias involved in the design, manufacturing of all audio components, there are specifically chosen topologies, parts in order to obtain a finished component that conforms to the biases of designer/listening panel, and furthermore this component tested within a unique audio system that was assembled by people with inherent biases.

Whether one call it preference or bias doesn't matter as they are two sides of the same coin, preference is favoring something, bias is a prejudice against. I don't believe humans are capable of assigning or designing an objective reference when it comes to audio systems/components so the whole idea of whether one is to call it bias or preference becomes moot.

So, now the above comes from an overarching subjective perspective, this if one believes there is no absolute reference for live sound when it comes to audio reproduction and playback. So, then we come to measurements which others claim should be our reference for this 'mythical' reference system/component, whole nother can of worms.

Blind testing is good to a point but it doesn't get one all the way. It is like a generality. Our physical makeup and experiences are all different. So what one may consider a important aspect is not as important for the other person. It can't be. We still have to cater to ourselves to find what we like the most. Unless we want to generalize everything. 

I have no intentions of giving up my eyesight just to be able to test a piece of equipment. No, sorry!