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

Showing 1 response by audioman58

I just rebuilt recently my loudspeakers Xover with top Cardas Litz wire,WBT connectors, and $1500 in Xover parts , no factory even at $30 k are as good , my point mfg take many shortcuts, Magico A5, Marten ,using mid grade Mundorf Parts when Mundorfs top capacitors are their Supreme line Not Evo , the A5 is the first to use their  Excellent New Ultra  $$ resistors which is a good start But on a $25 k speaker you deserve much more , in our group our Magico friend is upgrading his capacitirs now .  My ears are not just getting used to the new parts 

there is is vast improvement in imaging,soundstaging and detail 

another guy has the exact Dynaudio 3.4LE  speakers 

and now he is saving for the same  mods it was a profound improvement ,

used$3k now better then many in some respects then the majority of $10-12 k speakers . buying a Quality used component gives you great value and ability to truly raise the Audio bar !!