What's your process for comparing new gear, cables, etc.?


It's a staple of many if not most posts to compare auditory experiences and attribute them to different factors — larger components (room, speaker, amp, dac, etc.) and the rest (speaker wire, cables, power) etc. This is how we choose new gear or compare what we already have.

Given the number of components and how short auditory sensory memory is, any comparison should change the fewest variables possible, as quickly as possible. (And auditory memory is short, even for simpler sounds. We compare using complex sounds and want to judge complex dynamic effect — soundstage, tonality at various frequencies, overall character or musicality, etc.) Doing things quickly is a challenge with tube amps, which must be shut down properly in order to swap things out. Then, they must be turned on and warmed up a bit.

I'm curious how people conduct their comparisons given whatever factors they contend with. Do you take notes? Have a standard vocabulary (e.g. the one in Harley's book)? Use a checklist? Have certain test tracks that you have virtually memorized? And so on. I'd like to know what works for you.

Most of the time, I'm just listening to music and enjoying it. But when I do want to add gear or make a change, it's natural for a critical comparison to call for some kind of procedure. I'm still trying to figure out what procedure can provide reliable, practical information. When my procedure seems too random or complicated, I feel a bit absurd — like I'm just doing kabuki-science! 


hilde45

Showing 1 response by minorl

For me it is relatively easy.  I'm usually considering replacing one component at a time.  I've been fortunate that I have established positive relationships with a few great dealers over the years and they would let me take home equipment for a week or so to listen in my own home.  Of course they would take my credit card information down just in case I didn't return it (never) or if I decided to purchase, so I didn't have to come back down to San Diego. 

Then, I would establish the listening level using my measuring equipmtn and my many Stereophile test cds.  Then, listen to my favorite music on the existing system at the level I'm used to, match levels for the new piece I'm  auditioning and listen again to the same music.  Then, I would go back and forth to determine what equipment sounds like vs  the original piece.

differences in loudness/volume levels can make a false impression, which is why matching levels to listen matters greatly.

Another thing that is really important is to resist the urge to change more than one piece at a time while doing your tests.  it is impossible to know what exactly is making the change if you change more than one piece at a time.

Listening in a store is totally different. Yes, you may hear differences in your favorite music, however, there is no way you can tell what piece(s) are making that change, and if you purchase and get it home and it doesn't perform as well as you heard in the store, you get frustrated or angry.

A/B comparing equipment in your home on your existing system can be not only fun, but revealing.  Even A/B comparing equipment in stores, swapping only one piece can reveal much also.  this is exactly why certain manufacturers do not allow their products to be compared with other products in stores.  

I hope this helps.

enjoy and stay safe,