2. misc-audio
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do blind tests have any practical significance

do the results of a blind or double tests have any usefulness ?

a blind ab test does not prove anything. it only states facts, namely that a certain percentage of listeners were able to distinguish the sound of one component from another.

there are many issues as to the validity of these tests.

the question, "can a listener detect the sonic difference(s) between components", is never answered definitely by one test.

suppose a blind test is administered 10 or more times to the same group of listeners. assuming the first test is replicated 9 more times, there is a chance that there may be an inconsistency between the outcomes of the test.

suppose a statistically significant percentage, say less than 60 percent, for a large sample of listeners, identifies differences between 2 components, what does that mean ?

what is the application of such a result for a prospective buyer of a component ?
mrtennis

Showing 1 response by bignerd100

bignerd100
515 posts
 
The small group of basement-dwelling "audiophiles" is so widely dispersed that creating a test sample large enough to produce statistically significant results is near impossible.
"What about CES?" you might say.
Sure you could gather a sample group and get your blind test. But the group would devolve into a small-scale riot over the type of wire used to run the lighting in the room or the composition of the ceiling tiles.

:)
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