The Audio Science Review (ASR) approach to reviewing wines.

You make excellent points about the rigor that must be applied to testing as well as other potential issues. I suspect most of us are at an age where there are not a lot of golden ears in the group.

I'm most certainly not an ASR follower. I've invested in relatively high end cables, a good DAC, etc., and I generally believe that electronic components matter a great deal. I don't, however, dismiss Amir, Gene, Erin and other objectivists out of hand nor do I have an emotional response to their point of view because it differs from mine.

I'm a little closer to agnostic particularly when it comes to some of the cables, switches, etc. What I know about science wouldn't fill a thimble compared to some of the EEs on here but I know a little about business. I know that if a cable company-pick any of them-set up a juried, independently verified completely professional blind testing that was seen as unbiased with no room for tricks-ABX-whatever-and filmed it live and if the participants in statistically significant majorities picked their cables over competitors, or even much cheaper cables, switches, etc, that company would experience a great surge in orders and would reap a big reward. These companies are run by rational business leaders. It bothers me that as far as I know, none of them do that, because why wouldn't they? I'm not an "objectivist" but that bothers me.

Not looking for a fight-I'm happy for folks who find products that enhance their experience even if its buying rocks to put around the room-whatever works for you. Its an interesting question though.

Our audio group routinely does simple double blind tests and I can tell you it is not a relaxing experience. I am convinced that people listen very differently under testing conditions than they do normally. 

But the real issue is why should you even care? After decades of 2 channel listening, I no longer doubt my senses. To me this is ridiculous argument that will yield nothing. A discussion which has been going on for decades, I just dont remember there ever existing a worse ambassador for the measurement side than Amir.

ASR = junk science 

@kerrybh 

I have similar views.  Product types for which I have a healthy amount of skepticism include power conditioning, high-cost streamers, and network switches (omg!).  Manufacturer claims regarding their low noise levels, jitter immunity, etc. could be easily documented, but in virtually every case they don’t.  Hmmmm….

@devinplombier 

Now that’s a load of unsubstantiated BS - heavy on innuendo and MIA on facts.

All facts. Read many of the threads on ASR.  Name calling and personal attacks routine behavior.  Your comments follow the ASR model.

Amir jumped a thread here and went on and on and on posting numerous charts, graphs, and long verbiage. Amir himself mentioned the search algorithm.  Fact.

There is a video of Amir asking AP engineer to make the analyzer more "fool proof".  Fact.

Amir himself documents his personal system and talks about cost.  Fact.

Transparency about Amir's other business comes up in defense of his claimed absolute and unquestionable impartiality.  Fact.

Mostly you sound angry and butthurt.

You are hostile and butthurt by facts, not I.

It’s almost as if Amir had disparaged one of your products or something

I make no products of any kind.  You reveal yet another ASR minion tactic of leaping to a ridiculous assumption.