Hi Phredd2,
You asked for some additional elements for rigorous methodology. In addition to the acuity tests I mentioned previously, participants should pass reasonable memory tests. Otherwise, their inability to distinguish 2 amps may not be a statement about the amps but about the participants. It is fine with me if an audiophile wants to listen privately just to see if he/she likes or prefers a component. But this is not acceptable for rigorous testing. Therefore, participants should be able to demonstrate their critical listening skills. If they aren't accustomed to listening consciously for nuances in harmonic textures, changes in micro-dynamics, phrasings, ambience, decay, etc., then they may miss subtle differences in how 2 amps reproduce the different musical elements.
"After-effects", as pointed out in my previous posts, are inherent to our perceptual mechanisms and brain circuitry/chemistry and may smear differences between 2 components in a short-term DBT. Consequently, a negative result of a short-term DBT may have an interpretation other than "no difference in the amps". Allowing enough time for the "after-effects" to subside, is one way to reduce their effects. However, this may add to some degradation of memory, as pointed out in one of the posts above; but that just re-inforces my contention that the underlying complexity has not been unravelled enough yet to make definite determinations. Please see my exchanges with Qualia8 for additional comments.
Great Listening,
John
You asked for some additional elements for rigorous methodology. In addition to the acuity tests I mentioned previously, participants should pass reasonable memory tests. Otherwise, their inability to distinguish 2 amps may not be a statement about the amps but about the participants. It is fine with me if an audiophile wants to listen privately just to see if he/she likes or prefers a component. But this is not acceptable for rigorous testing. Therefore, participants should be able to demonstrate their critical listening skills. If they aren't accustomed to listening consciously for nuances in harmonic textures, changes in micro-dynamics, phrasings, ambience, decay, etc., then they may miss subtle differences in how 2 amps reproduce the different musical elements.
"After-effects", as pointed out in my previous posts, are inherent to our perceptual mechanisms and brain circuitry/chemistry and may smear differences between 2 components in a short-term DBT. Consequently, a negative result of a short-term DBT may have an interpretation other than "no difference in the amps". Allowing enough time for the "after-effects" to subside, is one way to reduce their effects. However, this may add to some degradation of memory, as pointed out in one of the posts above; but that just re-inforces my contention that the underlying complexity has not been unravelled enough yet to make definite determinations. Please see my exchanges with Qualia8 for additional comments.
Great Listening,
John