"Don Pearce" wrote in message

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 13:34:02 +0000 (UTC), Gareth Magennis
wrote:
Actually I don't think that these types of short term
tests are valid at all. There is an enormous propensity
for bias, even Audiophiles must admit that, surely. But
I think, and hope, that most Audiophiles are really
talking about long term testing in their own homes. I
don't think there is much in common between the two
situations so you can't use one to prove or disprove the
other, which I believe the scientific community is
trying to do.


Gareth.

No, this won't wash. The "difference" man has no problem
identifying his differences in brief "can you hear it?"
type tests when he knows which is connected. He is also
free to take just as long as he pleases when unsighted.

I have to say, though, that I find that systems with
genuine differences tend to sound the same with
protracted listening, as my ear adapts to the new sound
and puts it back together the way Inthink it should
sound.

You can get used to the most appalling crap if you
listen long enough.

I got a practical lesson in this at HE2005, in virtually
every room with SET amplifiers, and many others as well.

The worst case was the Bosendorfer rooms. The pianos sounded
great but the speakers!!!! ;-(