Blind Listening Tests?


I would like help locating any articles or studies on the subject of blind listening tests as it relates to high end audio equipment. I realize this is akin to blasphemy for many who are into this hobby, however, the more times I read of people claiming to hear audible differences between certain components and system set-ups, the more skeptical I become.(e.g. equipment racks ,interconnects,etc.)The fact that virtually every major audio publication is so adamently against the idea only adds to my skepticism.

Before I invoke the wrath of this site's faithful, let me clarify that I am not doubting the sincerity of those who claim to hear sonic differences between certain components. However, believing that an audible difference exists when one knows that he is listening to a piece of equipment that is generally well regarded or made by a well respected manufacturer is entirely different from being able to detect the difference in a blind listening scenario. Given the undisputed connection between the mind and our perceptions, why is there so much sentiment against such tests? Couldn't the results of such testing be simply another piece of information that we could factor in to our purchasing decisions. It seems to me that those who are so sure of ther critical listening ability (i.e. all stereophile reviewers) should not hesitate to prove their skills.

I look forward to any help in directing me to more information on the subject.Thanks, Don.
dtittle
HiFi Choice Magazine in Britain does a blind test with a panel, then a couple of the editors do a hands on trial, trying a few different combinations of components with the test subject. Then they compare notes with all the various tests and testers.
Great post, Don. I expecially agree with your thread that results of blind tests can be "another piece of information that we could factor in to our purchasing decisions." Dan
I've found blind tests, be it in a rudementary fashion or through elaborate setups, always helpful. What is wrong about trying to objectify, what we are percieving? I tend to rely heavily on female ears. Women, as far as our hobby is concerned, seem less exposed to those bouts of occasional infatuation with this gear or another, which may be a wonderfully satisfying part of our hobby but often enough "colours" our hearing acuity. Great thread by the way.
Hey Detlof, can I tell my wife you recommended I invite a few women over each week-end? Is there an age I should look for? J.D.
There's nothing like resorting to my 14 yr old daughter's high-sensitivity hearing of top octaves as a useful tool employed in single-blinds to guide my tweaks. Turns my p.20 fuzziness to p.50 placebo or p.05 reality pretty quickly!
Ah, but expectation bias is one of life's fruits, no?