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RE: Shared Delusions...

"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.


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