Computer Audio Asylum

Posted by Scrith (A) on February 25, 2008 at 10:24:05

In Reply to: RE: Something to think about posted by Gordon Rankin on February 24, 2008 at 12:33:40

The most valuable tool for comparing software, cables, or hardware is blind testing. I know this is voodoo in some audio circles, but computer users are a bit more savvy when it comes to this type of thing, I would like to think.

Before you come on here and begin claiming that cable X has a tremendous impact on sound vs. cable Y, or version N of a program sounds a lot different than version N-1, please try to do some sort of blind testing (not necessarily some "official" type double-blind testing...save that paranoia for the hydrogenaudio crowd). I'm just talking about a basic test...something where a friend or spouse is doing the cable switching (or switching between programs) for you. The important part is that you aren't exactly sure what you are listening to, so you can concentrate on the differences you are hearing, not the differences you are expecting to hear based on what you read about it on the internet, in some magazine, or from a description given to you by the manufacturer.

Blind testing has really opened my eyes about the real differences between software, cables, and hardware. It is not what I base 100% of my opinion on, but probably about 90% of it (I still find long term listening is able to fill in the other 10%). I highly encourage all of you to give it a try and think of it as a valuable tool (perhaps the most valuable tool you will have) for comparing audio setups.

• RE: Less to think about... - audioengr 11:05:43 02/25/08 (0)

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