Musicians have to be trained to listen to "systems" in very much the same way we've trained our listening acuity through the long years of our hobby. This is, because when you sit and perform in the middle of other performers, such things as soundstage, depth, et al is not of your concern and music on stage is perceived very differently from say a listening position in a hall or a club. So Stevie Wonder or Ray Charles would have been of little use to you anyway. But then I forgot, it would have been a social gathering, since you would not need their opinion anyway. Basically though, I agree with you, George. Through the years, you learn to trust your ears, you learn where you preferences are and you build your systems around those. I would rate personal contentment higher than the quest for an absolute, which you will only find in a live event anyway. All the same, I sometimes appreciate the opinion of a musically educated person, because I, like all of us, have my aural "blind" spots.
Blind Listening Tests?
I would like help locating any articles or studies on the subject of blind listening tests as it relates to high end audio equipment. I realize this is akin to blasphemy for many who are into this hobby, however, the more times I read of people claiming to hear audible differences between certain components and system set-ups, the more skeptical I become.(e.g. equipment racks ,interconnects,etc.)The fact that virtually every major audio publication is so adamently against the idea only adds to my skepticism.
Before I invoke the wrath of this site's faithful, let me clarify that I am not doubting the sincerity of those who claim to hear sonic differences between certain components. However, believing that an audible difference exists when one knows that he is listening to a piece of equipment that is generally well regarded or made by a well respected manufacturer is entirely different from being able to detect the difference in a blind listening scenario. Given the undisputed connection between the mind and our perceptions, why is there so much sentiment against such tests? Couldn't the results of such testing be simply another piece of information that we could factor in to our purchasing decisions. It seems to me that those who are so sure of ther critical listening ability (i.e. all stereophile reviewers) should not hesitate to prove their skills.
I look forward to any help in directing me to more information on the subject.Thanks, Don.
Before I invoke the wrath of this site's faithful, let me clarify that I am not doubting the sincerity of those who claim to hear sonic differences between certain components. However, believing that an audible difference exists when one knows that he is listening to a piece of equipment that is generally well regarded or made by a well respected manufacturer is entirely different from being able to detect the difference in a blind listening scenario. Given the undisputed connection between the mind and our perceptions, why is there so much sentiment against such tests? Couldn't the results of such testing be simply another piece of information that we could factor in to our purchasing decisions. It seems to me that those who are so sure of ther critical listening ability (i.e. all stereophile reviewers) should not hesitate to prove their skills.
I look forward to any help in directing me to more information on the subject.Thanks, Don.
- ...
- 69 posts total
- 69 posts total