Let me share my Popperian view on this matter.
The OP states:
The issues lies not with the ability to verify but rather with how the statement is structured. The statement must be falsifiable. A statement such as "power conditioner xyz will provide a low noise floor and black background" cannot be falsified thus it cannot be debated in a meaningful way. How is low defined? My idea of low may vary considerably from yours. What is black? Black is a description of color not of sound and again it is a measure of ones perception. Who am I to argue about your perception?
The obvious way to make this statement falsifiable would be to add measurable values of noise. Then you break out all the high tech instruments and see if the statement holds up. As audiophiles we all have next our systems a lab for scientifically testing of every last wire and drop of solder!
But this statement can be framed differently and still be falsifiable while being practical for discussion. For example "power conditioner xyz provides a lower noise floor as compared brand abc" This statement can be tested by comparing the two brands and most likely conflicting results will be found. The statement is none the less falsified and must be further refined or reworked and re-tested. This process is then repeated and the statement is refined to the point where it either rejected or provides valuable and usable insight.
This example is not say that it is only by comparisons, rather that comparisons may be one of many possible means of formulating a falsifiable statement.
What does this make me? A falsifialist!
The OP states:
A statement about audio is valid ONLY IF it can be verified, and it can be verified ONLY IF there is some finite, repeatable, public procedure for determining whether it is true or false.
The issues lies not with the ability to verify but rather with how the statement is structured. The statement must be falsifiable. A statement such as "power conditioner xyz will provide a low noise floor and black background" cannot be falsified thus it cannot be debated in a meaningful way. How is low defined? My idea of low may vary considerably from yours. What is black? Black is a description of color not of sound and again it is a measure of ones perception. Who am I to argue about your perception?
The obvious way to make this statement falsifiable would be to add measurable values of noise. Then you break out all the high tech instruments and see if the statement holds up. As audiophiles we all have next our systems a lab for scientifically testing of every last wire and drop of solder!
But this statement can be framed differently and still be falsifiable while being practical for discussion. For example "power conditioner xyz provides a lower noise floor as compared brand abc" This statement can be tested by comparing the two brands and most likely conflicting results will be found. The statement is none the less falsified and must be further refined or reworked and re-tested. This process is then repeated and the statement is refined to the point where it either rejected or provides valuable and usable insight.
This example is not say that it is only by comparisons, rather that comparisons may be one of many possible means of formulating a falsifiable statement.
What does this make me? A falsifialist!