I ran across this discussion of Pejudice & Bias on YouTube
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. |
Bias is a human trait (weakness) we all have. Many times it leads to unfair judgements and poor decisions. Smart business has learned long ago how to profit from it. ( "Sell the sizzle, not the steak" ) Audio is especially suseptible since sound is invisable. This is fertile ground for the imagination to take over and hear things that aren't really there. The problem arises when someone accuses you of being unable to hear it also. The guilt trip... "The Emperor's new clothes" ... Certainly you're not so stupid as to put cheap cables on your new expensive stereo! This would be a foolish move if you want to get the "best" sound from your system! A box of 'special' moon rocks in the corners of the room will transform your system to new levels! Certainly you're smart enough to hear that, don't you??? The list goes on. |
@gdaddy1 wrong chat |
