Do you trust your ears more than measurements?


I have a lot of audiophiles that say the ear test is the best. I believe them. Some of us have to do blind tests etc. I’m in the camp of trusting your own ears because no matter how something measures. Is it more pleasing to you with a particular cable, placement tweak etc. What are your thoughts everyone? 

calvinj

I use measurements for what they're good for, and use my ears for the rest.  Most everything I have is vintage, so it winds up on the bench for safety and performance checks.  If it's possible, I will listen first, then measure.  We don't listen to square waves on purpose, but that is one measurement from the old days that is still a valid predictor of sonic performance.  

Measure once. 
Listen twice. 
Repeat. 

It’s the opposite of construction. 

This all assumes there is one objective or subjective standard for SQ that we would all agree on.  That will never happen!