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
Bob_bundus: Double-blind testing is useful only if you want to know what is truly audible. If your main interest is nameplates, model numbers, and prices, it's not useful because it might at times show a non-existant or even inverse relationship between price and performance. But rest assured, if you fear ever having to judge audio gear solely on how it sounds and not on knowing or being told beforehand what you're listening to, there's little chance you'll ever be put to that test.

But this controversy reminds me of this joke: The drummer stepped outside before the recording session and was surprised to see the guitar player outside already, but sobbing. "What's wrong?" the drummer asked. "Here we've got this important session to play, and the bass player detuned one of my strings!" the weeping guitarist answered. The drummer then asked, "So why don't you just tune it up again?" Protested the guitarist, "But he won't tell me which string it was!"
70242.241, How could there be an inverse relationship between price and proformance? I thought you just finished enlightening us on how there can be NO difference. Kind of proving yourself to be a bit two faced, huh. CHAH!
702..not so seriously intended but for the sake of a little laugh, which I hope you can share:
Who would you be in this your little story? The guitarist or the bass player...and p l e a s e don't say "the drummer". Regards,
Jadem6: Your imagination is running amok. I never said there could never be any difference in performance between pieces of audio gear.

Detlof: You're right, I'm no drummer. I'd be the engineer in the control room. ;)
702 thanks for your clever and witty response. Nice to have you on board, though we often disagree. But that makes life interesting.