Why is Double Blind Testing Controversial?

One reason blind (or double blind) testing is controversial is simply some folks won't admit that the $500 (or more, sometimes much more) cable they just bought doesn't sound any different from the cheaper brand.

Let's face it, the guy who says his jaw dropped when he installed his newest (and more expensive) piece of equipment, and then can't id that same piece when he can't see it is the reason blind testing has never been accepted.

I believe there are differences between some components, but not to the degree some people claim.

Although I have nice components, including all tube electronics, planar speakers, and listen more to vinyl than digital, I have never cared for spending hundreds or, in some cases, thousands of $$$ on cables, power conditioners, or power cables.

From all I've read, not one double blind test has ever given credibility to audible differences in cables.

What really gets on my nerves is someone who starts describing the differences he hears with components auditioned weeks or months apart. Sorry, our auditory memory usually doesn't last more than a few moments.

Jim

Most people who claim to hear differences in cables, or whatever are doing something wrong in there methodology. Most likely, they are not level matching to within .1db.
This is essential for fairplay.

If there is a difference between cables, those differences can be explained by two things: The RCL characteristics and
the cleansing effects that you get when unplugging and replugging cables.

When you know what you are listening to you want very badly to hear a difference, especially if you just paid $100s or $1000s of dollars for a few feet of wire.

We wouldn't be having this conversation if listeners would quit using terms like 'jaw dropping' and such.

I've heard differences in noise levels and other such anomalies in phono sections, but I just don't hear the things some claim to hear.

Jim

Sean, I was not referring specifically to cables, though it seems the tone of this discourse went in that direction.

I was talking about blind testing,in general.

Jim