Why is science just a starting point and not an end point?

Terrific post ghdprentice.

The Anthem AVM 60 Preamp Processor is a good case in point.

I've read where it could be considered a high end bargain. Then a scientist in a white coat tests it and awards it a headless pink panther.

Are they both wrong or maybe they are both correct?

Indeed they are both likely to be correct - it tests poorly but performs admirably.  

What makes you think your claim is true?

Perhaps you can provide examples that I've obviously missed. As I stated, test tones and sub audible measurements are no indication of how music sounds.

in case you haven’t noticed, science fails to fully explain many important things in life

I couldn't agree more. I created the topic after continuously reading pundits extolling science as the deciding factor in all thing audio.

Let me expand my question.

Why is science incapable of providing even the slightest indication why equipment is judged by knowledgeable people as superior?

Surely there must be something that can be measured? Or is music just too complex to be tested?

Because the answers beget more questions, and the subject is infinite.

...silly boy....;)

I'll assume that's not a scientific answer, so I hope you'll forgive me if I ignore it.

You mean there can never be any consensus?

I just don't understand why everyone is type cast as if it is absolutely impossible to block emotions when assessing sound quality.

Personally I find it insulting.

Perhaps is comes from those who are influenced by appearance and price.

"science isn't letting you down it's your expectation of science"

Surely science should be able to show where sound is being corrupted or deviating from a source? Science cannot predict how humans perceive sound, but it should be able to measure the performance of equipment!

Pedro, science has not failed at all.

Science never really fails, although sometimes is takes can take indirect path. The question is why isn't it being utilized to test equipment? My point is this; if research into space can continuously reveal the most amazing facts, why is it impossible to analyze audio equipment and show how it performs at listening levels; excluding the sub-audible noise path?