Why is Double Blind Testing Controversial?

Moto man, I do not question the importance of cable comparisons.

What I question and challenge is the notion that an objective BLIND comparison can be set up for audio cables. Without an objective measurable (user perception is not a valid, reproducible measurable), it is not a valid blind test and has no objective validity.

Subjective observations that are presented as "objective" are exactly what lead people like Elmuncy to spend money on things which disappoint.

Some years ago I agreed to test prescription eyeglasses for Pearl Vision. Several pairs were switched while I kept my eyes tightly closed. I immediately choose the "perfect" pair, that were very reasonably priced.

After a day I had a horrible headache and was forced to keep my eyes closed to enjoy my new glasses.

I like to shop for audio this way too. Make a decision based on a quick test, make myself miserable and then quit listening so the headache goes away.

Tobias and Redkiwi hit it on the head. It takes prolonged exposure (post burn-in, which a lot of A/B's may not do) to really absorb the differences. "Night and day differences" aside, most A/B's are a matter of trade-offs -- e.g., a little more bass punch vs. a little less definition. What seems very nice in the short term may not be preferred longer term. What seems like a strength listening to one recording may not seem so while listening to another. In reality, all of our choices are A/B. We are replacing what we have with something else we believe is "better" after prolonged listening. That's why companies offer 30 day trials rather than 30 minute trials. From my understanding, most A/B tests tend to be 3 minute trials. Sorry, I'm just not that good.

By the way, none of this is to say that I don't harbor a secret fear that I'd pick Bose ;-) But, I have heard too many say that, with prolonged exposure, they can pick out component signatures from a distance without seeing the actual unit/cable being used.

Well, you don't need to use the blind test to make your decision. The idea is to isolate, at least for the period of the test, the contribution of knowing who the manufacturer is, what the product costs, what it looks like, and so forth. Getting those variables out of the way at some point during your evaluation, even briefly, might be helpful, don't you think? Doesn't mean you won't choose the higher priced product in the end, but at least you will have the benefit of some calibration between what you hear and what you perhaps expect or hope to hear.

We've covered this before. As such, all i'll add to this thread is that Craig and Albert cracked me up. If DBT threads are going to be good for laughs like that, bring them on : ) Sean
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