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In Reply to: RE: Shared Delusions... posted by regmac on October 26, 2015 at 07:55:29
"When it comes to the subjective camp I wonder how much brand/price bias figures into the evaluation process?"
I wonder too. It certainly figures in, the Harman research shows that. But I have no idea to what degree its affecting a given review, or my own impressions.
"It seems to me that when subjectivists insist on sighted testing what they are really after is brand/price identification/knowledge. Once they are given that information then they are on firm footing. Oftentimes, if an audiophile thinks he is evaluating a $500 amp the exercise becomes a yawner. But if he believes he is auditioning a $25,000 amp...."
But who insists on that? I think that the issue with blind testing usually has more to do with practical logistics. Side-by-side double blind AB tests are hard to arrange.
"Hanni points to a study (link below). According to Stanford researchers, when a person is told they are comparing a $5 wine with a $45 wine, when they are, in fact, sampling the same wine, the part of the brain that experiences pleasure will become more active when the drinker believes he is tasting the $45 wine.
"I suspect further research will demonstrate the same holds true for evaluations of high-end audio and other luxury goods."
I wouldn't be at all surprised. And, really, is there anything wrong with that, if your goal is to feel good? The issue that I have is that it makes it harder to put together a really good *sounding* system.
Personally, I try to find those few magical components that punch way above their price class.
Follow Ups:
"And, really, is there anything wrong with that, if your goal is to feel good?"
No. Nor am I suggesting there is. I understand why some audiophiles take pride and comfort in owning certain brands.
"Personally, I try to find those few magical components that punch way above their price class."
Yes, that is the difficult part, isn't it?
Yes, it can be very time consuming. It helps that there's so much great used stuff available now. Also to focus on major rather than minor issues, e.g., improving room acoustics rather than buying expensive interconnects. And to give a listen to the components that reviewers consider a great value while trying to ignore the allure of hideously expensive items that reach the point of diminishing returns.
And maybe to be a bit canny. Forex, I just got a couple of Crown 2500's to try on my woofers, they were on sale for $300 each because the new model is coming out. I'd never expect to run a cheap Class D amp full range, the highs aren't very good. But they're typically great at bass frequencies. And if these don't pan out (as usual, I've heard conflicting reports) I can just send the back to Amazon.
There was a time when I did buy the fancy stuff, and some of it was beautiful. But eventually I found that I could outdo most systems for very little, and make a system that lights up the eyes of audiophiles and non-audiophiles alike -- and more importantly, that sounds so remarkable I could be happy with it forever. And the interconnects will be nothing more than 14 gauge lamp cord, because I'm focusing on the major stuff rather than costly improvements with consequences so subtle you aren't even sure whether they're real or not.
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