Posted by Bill Martinelli [ 72.226.193.116 ] on August 30, 2006 at 19:33:23:

In Reply to: Can someone help me critique this theory I have been formulating? posted by Mr Vinyl on August 30, 2006 at 10:35:33:

I think DBT is a fine theory. Its hard to prove to someone that cost, fit and finish don't have an affect on your opinion. After all, what wold the purpose of 'marketing' be if appearance and cost didn't matter?

Blind testing is more difficult for audio since the following consideration must be made. first and foremost, louder is generally perceived as a better sound. I try and make experiments with SPL settings equal, measured at key points in the music. With gear like amps, decks, stages, wires and preamps, mostly sound level is the only concern and its not a tough adjustment. with speakers and cartridges its tougher because I find there is wider gap in efficiency's. buts still not too difficult. Lastly speakers need placement. they cant sit in the same place and be switched speedily. They also may sound their best in a different position. If this is the case then its great since they don't need to be in the same spot as another pair.

Anyway. DBT is great. Do it! the only people who fear it are people who have huge coin in equipment. maybe a vendor or two.

To further your test experiments. you should listen at greater lengths. come back the next day to what you thought was great. listen for a few day, to different formats of music. then switch back. and back again.

Don't forget some people just get tired of the way a system is voiced. then its all changed out and re-tuned. Are you sure its better? or just different, and you like it better now.

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