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What's your view on blind testing?

Double blind testing (DBT) has been a hot topic among engineers and audiophiles for God knows how long. The 'scientific' group believes that a properly conducted blind test will reveal negligible differences amongst audio components (amps, cables, dacs, etc.) while the other group believes that there are noticeable audible differences across manufacturer's in various price points. I know there are quite a few EEs on the board here and I'd like to get your perspective. Thanks for any insight.
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wolf_garcia
6,615 posts
 
Having a group of sophisticated listeners blind test gear over weeks is the way to go. However feeding, housing, bathing, and generally putting up with them during the test period can be challenging, and you merely end up with a group of grumpy, whining experts who just want to go home.
extravaganza
373 posts
 
very bad,because normally short memory of human brain remembers only fraction of information which was played.And long term memory remembers only those moments which impressed very much during listening,lets say tonaly,imaging
csontos
1,311 posts
 
I suppose it depends on who the subjects of the DBT are. The aspects of performance you value most will be the ones readily identifiable and hence your main focus.

Marakanetz, I would wager I could fool you into thinking your listening to tubes, but really good ones.
rpeluso
1,016 posts
 
I would be very interested in a test such as this where the two systems are identical with the only difference being expectations of the panel.
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