Why is Double Blind Testing Controversial?


I noticed that the concept of "double blind testing" of cables is a controversial topic. Why? A/B switching seems like the only definitive way of determining how one cable compares to another, or any other component such as speakers, for example. While A/B testing (and particularly double blind testing, where you don't know which cable is A or B) does not show the long term listenability of a cable or other component, it does show the specific and immediate differences between the two. It shows the differences, if at all, how slight they are, how important, etc. It seems obvious that without knowing which cable you are listening to, you eliminate bias and preconceived notions as well. So, why is this a controversial notion?
moto_man

Showing 2 responses by seandtaylor99

I have a proposal ... double blind posting. Audiogon allows us to post our views with anonymity. Other Agoners then guess who posted which post, according to the content of the post, and the (extreme) opinions therein.
Suggestions for starter threads : "Power cords make no difference" and "SACD is killing digital".
did I hit a nerve ? Or did I miss sarcasm in Redkiwi's response ? It was a joke guys .. let's laugh at ourselves occasionally. HiFi is a very unimportant topic in a world full of war, famine and death, and certainly not worth getting worked up about.