Harry Lavo wrote:

We aren't looking to determine differences, Bob.

You're the one who started this whole conversation by insisting that an
ABX test was inadequate. Well, the ONLY purpose of an ABX test is to
determine difference. If your argument is that an ABX test is not
adequate for determining something it was not designed to determine,
then you've been wasting our time.

We're looking to evaluate
audio components sonic signatures and subjective shading of musical
reproduction. And there has been no confimation that ABX or a straight AB
difference test can show up all the various shadings that show up in
longer-term listening evaluations.

There is no evidence that "various shadings" really do show up (rather
than simply being imagined by the listener) in longer-term listening
evaluations of components that cannot be distinguished in ABX tests.
You are once again assuming your conclusion.

bob