I ran across this discussion of Pejudice & Bias on YouTube

Well I was hoping this would lead to an interesting discussion.  I would like to know what people think about the points Guido raises in his presentation.  His argument is that prejudice & bias in our hobby is often generated by these specific areas.  He goes into considerable detail, but in outline these areas are:

1.  Reviews - especially over stated, hype or unsubstantiated claims in reviews are a source of prejudice & bias (p&b).

2.  Extremism on one side that all that matters are measurements.  Extremism on the other side that all that matters is subjective evaluation.

3.  Manufacturers artificially setting prices very high to gain credibility of products with little or no merit.

4.  Giving too much credence to aesthetics when evaluating the merits of a product.

5.  Being overly influenced by the fame of a product or by the person or people behind it.

6.  Cables and the relative importance of same.

7.  Sound and the loose and nebulous use of words such as transparent to describe it while condemning the sound described as "colored."

8.  The art and importance of listening as they related not only to equipment, but perhaps more importantly to acoustics.  Often the room and it's impact on the sound being described (often criticized) is either down played or not taken into consideration at all.

9.  The synergy of components is some times over looked.  A component might not sound it's best because of a poor match up, but that might never be considered.

10.  Specifications can be emphasized to the point of the absurd.  (personal note here, this brought him back full circle to where he started with his arguments about measurements vs. subjective evaluation.  In this he disclosed his bias toward subjective.) 

I hope this summary results in discussion.  I would like to know what people think about these points.

it’s hard to argue with these general points - they are all reasonable, maybe after I watch the video

I think any message that sets the record straight about the importance of synergy is hugely valuable. 

@billstevenson I think Guido has done a fantastic job covering each point. I only very slightly disagree with his take on cables. He mentioned that when your components reach a high enough level the cables matter less and you don’t need super duper cables. 
While that is certainly true to some extent, you still want the most transparent and least sonically colored cables you can get. Unfortunately these aren’t cheap. Yes your system will sound very good with the best possible components and cheapest cables like bluejeans, you won’t be getting its full potential.
I will add that this isn’t about how much you personally are willing to spend on cables or what makes sense to you. It’s about squeezing the last drop of performance out of your system. 

I would take the converse position on cable quality (not necessarily the same thing as cost). The better your stuff, the better you want the cables to be, but I also take seriously what Ralph Kirsten claims, that true balanced connection is less demanding of hyper expensive cables. I also often make my own using only the best materials in my then current opinion.

The article doesn’t mention chassis color. I think there is a bias related to black, silver, or gold/brass.

What struck me more than anything else was how perceptive Guido is.  All of these issues have surfaced often and repeatedly in the audiophile world.  Irrespective of what side any of us might take on any given issue, and I am sure we all have an opinion on each of them, he has demonstrated that he has his finger on the pulse of the collective.  Moreover, if we look at these biases objectively there is not one of them that is worth the energy and vehemence that is often expended in support of the position taken.  Take as an example the issue of measurements vs. subjective evaluation.  Clearly this is an issue with legs.  In an earlier age probably duels to the death would have been fought to assuage perceptions of slights to honor, the arguments have been that numerous and intense.  Yet if we are honest about it, the issue is neither here nor there.  I mean really, pick your corner.  lewm mentions cables. and here again it seems clear that many if not most of us have expended thought, time and money considering this issue.  Is this a matter worthy of these expenditures?  Without going into what could be a long saga, let me just say that in my case, after listening to a lot of cables and making selections, and now doing an occasional reality check, the answer is not clear.  I picked a vendor, I use him loyally, finis.  Is it something to get in an argument over?  Not to me.  I could go on, but I think Guido’s point is that we should all examine our biases and try to put them into their proper perspective and strive to dispense with them altogether.  That is something easier said than done, but a worthy goal nonetheless.