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It has been speculated that short term a/b listening destroys real
"enjoyment" differences that would be discovered in long term listening.

Stereophile in it's current web version includes this conclusion about cd
players from the cheap to the middle to the expensive.

" the Pioneer's DSD output was superior to the DV-980H in either mode.
However, it took some quick A/B switching to hear any of these
differences; extended listening to all three players was quite
satisfying."

There you have it, a/b listening alone can find small differences, thought
to be in the analog stages, but long term differences would not change the
"enjoyment" factor.

It would be even more interesting if the a/b were to be done blind to
discover if the differences noted remain. If they do not it will not be
because long term "enjoyment" was involved in the leastand would remove
variables known to produce differences not existing in the signal as it
reaches the ears.

[Peter Wieck]

On Aug 3, 12:17*pm, wrote:
It has been speculated that short term a/b listening destroys real
"enjoyment" *differences that would be discovered in long term listening.

Now, what kind of a statement is that, with all due respect?

Parsing it on its face - "enjoyment differences" could be anything
from the extremes of good and bad to minor subtleties. Could be that
all things are enjoyable but in different ways, could be that some
things are enjoyed less so.

So, with the original statement be being prima-fascia just silly,
let's suspend the silliness and attempt to interpret what the writer
of said silliness thinks he/she/it actually means - a stretch in any
case:

AB Listening will show differences - somehow this interferes with
enjoyment. If this is what is meant, than the universe of listeners is
taken to be extraordinarily weak-minded that once they discern a
difference (not stated or speculated whether that means one is better
than another or simply *different* then they cannot enjoy further
listening.

The sole-and-only goal of listening is to discern differences between
bits of equipment. If this happens quickly and efficiently then there
is no further enjoyment available. THAT is even wilder.

Further, leaping to the speculative statement from the evidence given
is just plain nuts - in my opinion. Ah, well. And that is why there
are so many flavors of ice-cream - and - a market for canned silkworms
for human consumption. There are those who will eat (believe) anything
and call it a delicacy.

http://www.suckered.us/images/Curiou...worm_pupae.jpg

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA