Is SACD really this lousy?

David; The study you refer to by german psychology student J. Ackerman, and reported on by M. Sauer in Jan. and Feb. 2000, Stereophile issues has not reported statistical significance and so, at least this time,it is only opinion, speculation, conjecture, or anecdotal evidence that Ackerman's hypothesis (unstated) is true. No reputable scientific journal would publish a study without statistical significance, and the 95% confidence level (that the hypothesis is correct) is the desireable level to achieve, but the 90% level, while weaker, is publishable. But Stereophile is in the business of selling magazines, and this particular subject took up quite a few "sort of interesting" pages. If Ackerman's study were statistically significant, I would think that Stereophile would have followed up and reported it by now-- but I've seen nothing. As for the girl that heard Ackerman's music 150+ times, M. Sauer made much of this, but in fact it amounts to an uncontrolled study with only one "sample"-- meaningless (except to the girl). I once conducted a study that involved the collection of hundreds of samples over a year and a half only to find out (from statisticians) that my hypothesis only had a confidence level of 52%, ie meaningless; frustrating and disappointing. I hope this post hasn't excessively bored Audiogon readers, but Ackerman's study needs some perspective. Craig.

Craig, your observations may or may not be entirely accurate, but I wonder if you are predisposed to assume that Stereophile's article would have little or no validity in the first place?.......David, please, I'm still evaluating the tube amp. I like it, but it's hard to tell exactly what I like about it. Relax, I'll talk plenty about it later.

And I've heard Britney say she hasn't had surgery, but I'd really need to see her sans top to decide for sure. They can be quite perky and nice when they're short on years, as some of us might now...And gee, I hate her "music". That fad certainly will die out quickly, it can't be too soon for me. Problem is, it'll be replaced by something worse, like monkeys and kangaroos gettin their groove on...or something.

Hi Carl; My predispositions are not relevant here (but I think I have an open mind). The statistical significance of Ackerman's study is highly relavant (but unreported). Universaties will often informally publish (in-house) MS and PHD theses even without statistical significance-- after all, negative information can be valuable too, and in these cases, it is the effort and quality that is graded. Reputable scientific journals don't publish non-significant results because they can't afford to-- methods and results have to stand up to peer review. I would just like to see the FINAL result(s) of Ackerman's study. If they aren't significant, I'd guess we'll never see them though. Craig

In response to the posting from 3141510, Now I am really confused. I try to address your issues, and you make no sense at all. As far as Miles Davis, not only do I admire him, I purchased (probably) every recording he ever made. However, concerning your comments about Louis Armstrong, you state (I quote) "He is not even a musician, let alone artist." Since this differs so much from my belief, I visited AMG, and here is what is stated in the musical and historical facts in the relationships concerning Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong: I quote exactly: "Miles Davis had quite a career, one with so many innovations that his name is one of the few that can be spoken in the same sentence with Duke Ellington. ROOTS AND INFLUENCES: Dizzy Gillespie Roy Eldridge Bobby Hackett Harry James Freddy Webster Louis Armstrong Bix Beiderbecke Charlie Parker Clark Terry." Please note that Louis Armstrong is listed as an influential contributor to the music of Miles Davis. This certainly points to the fact that Louie Armstrong was indeed a great musician, and where he may be in a "generation gap" where you are concerned, he is indeed an important contributor. Louis and Miles are both a vital part of the history of Jazz, and that is not in any way just my opinion.