George M. Middius wrote:

EddieM said:



The Objectivist assert that straight listening or more specifically,
sighted evaluation is not a scientifically valid process for determining
if the audio components (except speakers ?) would sound different.
What is really wrong with sighted evaluation ?


Objectively speaking, nothing is wrong with it.

It scares the crap out of the 'borgs, though. That's because They might start to
covet an evil, overpriced piece of "audio jewelry".


Bear in mind that the 'borgs don't really care about audio per se. They just
like to use the topic to wage their impotent version of class warfare. Whenever
one of Them starts ranting about "too expensive" this or "snake oil" that, try
this test: Mentally impute the class envy motive to the 'borg who's yammering
and then see how your view of Their jabber changes. Usually, you'll find that
the borgma is demagoguery, frustration, envy, or a combination of those.

What I think you're missing Mr. Middius, is the fact that those you
call Borgs, are at least as interested in top quality sound as any of
those you call "Normals." If there really were a piece of audio
jewelry, as you call it, that would help in that search, it would be
the Borgs endorsing it and promoting it here.

The class warfare idea is really something that lives in the heart of
your fellow Normals. It is they who love to trumpet how their newest
bit of overpriced, underperforming audio "jewelry" got them a more life
like audio experience. They have to, in order to justify their
constant "upgrades."

I think those you call Borgs are the ones who sleep best and enjoy
their stereo more, because they know that their systems perform as they
are supposed to and they know more about proper setup and how to
optimize the sound than a roomful of your "Normals."

In reality, why would anything be wrong with "sighted" evaluation? It's
perfectly Normal. Why try to amputate your emotional response when you're
looking for a toy? It's Normal to maximize your enjoyment of any toy, audio or
otherwise. If you enjoy looking at something, it renders pleasure, and that's
good, right? Let the 'borgs lash themselves and wear their hairshirts. Life is
too short to punish yourself for enjoying your toys.

The thing about sighted evaluation, is that it just doesn't tell you
much about the things that Normals like to brag about.

Borgs know that if they think there might be a reason to upgrade, doing
a blind comparison is much more likely to reveal the possible
differences they're interested in, than sighted ones.