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"The Audio Critic" B.S. or what?

Has anyone ever heard of this magazine? In a nutshell, their premise is that audiophiles are ridiculous. They claim that all high-end equipment is marketed to audio magazines and their foolish readers. One particular area they sounded off about was cable and interconnect theory. They claim that spending hundreds and even thousands of dollars for cables is a joke and is a total waste of money. They claim that companies like Kimber are selling us a bunch of "snake oil." I just breezed through a copy and now it's got me wondering if we audiophiles are just masturbating each other with our concepts and discussion of "high-end" equipment and cables. Please tell me this is a bunch of sh*t. I'd like to think that we're getting at least a bit of "high-end" for our hard-earned $$$$
chuke076
fpeel
446 posts
 
Well stated, DK. To add to that thought, an important aspect of these tests not yet broached in this discussion is the severe polarization of the camps. Naysayers with unswayable opinions are so prevalent that it's actually surprising the discussion herein has been so civil. (But then, you guys never cease to amaze!) Even if a manufacturer were to undertake a blind or double-blind test using the most stringent of controls, and they probably have, publication of the results would undoubtedly be welcomed with cries of "improper methodology" and "no validity". It's a no win situation.
trelja
3,215 posts
 
I think the thing that we audiophiles should remember is that this hobby can be enjoyable. Really! I know first hand. It can be whatever we choose it to be. I seek my own pleasure from it, and do not worry what others believe(or hear) or don't. I invest in my own tastes, and if someone heard my system and thought it was the most God awful noise producer in the world, I would care not a bit. Different people focus on different things. My favorite thought about life is that's why they make vanilla AND chocolate(and more these days). The goal is there for all of us to reach. Whether you are an objectivist or someone who only trusts their ears, think all amps sound the same or not, or whatever... Happy listening.
danvetc
527 posts
 
In medical research, "double blind" studies are the "gold standard." For example, this is where neither the researcher nor the patient are aware of whether they are giving/receiving the researched drug or a placebo. This eliminates prejudicial judgements. Double blind testing in audio could/should be unneccessary as long as the "helper" is not giving any hints and is completely fair/impartial with the set up of the a-b comparison. Charlie
479058's avatar
479058
105 posts
 
There seems to be some confusion here between "deciding what you like" and stating that one thing sounds better (or different) than another. If all you're about is "deciding what you like," you can go about that any way you wish--sighted, blind, standing on your head. But if somebody tells you that a particular cable has a certain sound, you need to know how he came to that conclusion in order to decide how much credence to give him. As for Charlie's point about blind testing, scientists long ago figured out that even the most unbiased helper gives subconscious cues that can throw off a test. That's why they always use double-blind listening tests.
trelja
3,215 posts
 
I think you missed the point Jostler3. How could you go about "deciding what you like", without knowing that one thing sounds better(or different) than another? I don't rely on other people to do my hearing for me. I try my darndest to audition before buying. Yes, I use others as a first step(a tool). But pity the audiophile who buys sound unheard.
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