I do a lot of comparative listening and totally agree it is a worthwhile undertaking, if all goes well, there is a good possibility a Device will be discovered that is very pleasing to the individual doing the listening, and also one that interfaces within the used system in a manner that makes it standout against the other devices in the line up.
Swapping out devices and allowing a short play time will again be most likely to create a change in how the SQ and Presentation is perceived, the Demonstrations IME can develop into the changes being heard and not the qualities of the device in use. I myself take notes and have in the past recorded the differences, but not the impression the overall performance has made. To counteract this today, I will compare with short term replay times allocated as per the usual method , and then separately allow each device to run on and play in a non comparative listening to see how the device attracts to myself and my preferences.
The outcome of the extended playtimes are usually much harder to be critical about as the devices are usually capable of creating an experience that shows attractors.
My Experience is that as the listening pool of individuals increase, the hierarchy of each individuals attractors and preferences starts to come into play, 'One persons punchy Bass Line is another persons nemesis'.
As said a lot can be gained in broadening an experience, learning where ones preferences lean toward and the learning of certain Brands Sonic Signatures.
How the results can be used are pretty much a personal thing, but it is quite nice when a group in attendance and there are unanimous agreements about a particular device in the system being used.
Swapping out devices and allowing a short play time will again be most likely to create a change in how the SQ and Presentation is perceived, the Demonstrations IME can develop into the changes being heard and not the qualities of the device in use. I myself take notes and have in the past recorded the differences, but not the impression the overall performance has made. To counteract this today, I will compare with short term replay times allocated as per the usual method , and then separately allow each device to run on and play in a non comparative listening to see how the device attracts to myself and my preferences.
The outcome of the extended playtimes are usually much harder to be critical about as the devices are usually capable of creating an experience that shows attractors.
My Experience is that as the listening pool of individuals increase, the hierarchy of each individuals attractors and preferences starts to come into play, 'One persons punchy Bass Line is another persons nemesis'.
As said a lot can be gained in broadening an experience, learning where ones preferences lean toward and the learning of certain Brands Sonic Signatures.
How the results can be used are pretty much a personal thing, but it is quite nice when a group in attendance and there are unanimous agreements about a particular device in the system being used.