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When have A/B comparisons led you astray?

I am curious how others have made A/B comparisons within their systems. What errors are encountered in this test? How do you avoid them?
I often think of my stereo system as a pair of ski goggles. Have you ever worn a pair of amber ski goggles all day and then been shocked at the colors presented to you when you take them off?
How does this phenomenon translate into the realm of sound?
mikewerner

Showing 2 responses by mapman

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mapman
22,769 posts
 
"Audiophile indecision/fretting over minute differences is a terrible disease.'

Expensive too!
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,769 posts
 
A/B tests are a useful tool for determining differences in sound when changing a component, but one should not rely solely on them.

You have to listen to a single configuration for an extended period of time, get the setup optimized again after each change and listen to a variety of recordings of interest before you can really get the full picture of what a rig sounds like. Then go from there, including a/b tests along the way as needed.
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