Seems increased commentary in recent weeks about ABX tests. Much of it stemming from people who come to ASR to set us straight about trusting our ears. I do agree with some who have said that calls for ABX or it didn’t happen have become almost like a club to beat people over the head with, and nearly cultish in how some new posters have the call rain down upon them. Not that I haven’t been guilty of it myself.
Some comments by @restorer-john have caused me to think about this situation. We stand little chance of convincing, or engaging in meaningful discussion with people with this approach. Like restorer-john I think there is a lot more talk of it than participation in or use of ABX listening tests among most posters. For most audiophiles it is impractical for most situations.
Some who don’t like ABX tests complain they are stressful. Only if you feel challenged by it or think you’ll suffer loss of face. After you have done it a couple or three times it isn’t stressful. It is major league TEDIOUS and BORING. Most of us do them with Foobar ABX or similar software. That isn’t very useful for amps and not at all for speakers.
So what is a next best alternative? What is a friendlier way to get the point across? How do regular ASR members pick their gear?
We don't need an 'alternative'. All anyone needs, is to understand and acknowledge the *fact* that their 'sighted' audio claims of difference are going to be subject to cognitive bias. Which means their claims should be accordingly tempered, qualified, or supported with excellent proof.
It's a matter of language, in other words.
Last edited: