$1,000,000 cable challenge

[emorphien]

I'd love to see someone perform a proper test though, and see whether the cables really do prove themselves beyond random chance. I have my own opinions based on auditioning and scientific background, however I think a good test would be fun. It'll at least end the debate (well no, not really, some will never believe).

[musicoverall]

I'd love to see someone perform a proper test though, and see whether the cables really do prove themselves beyond random chance. I have my own opinions based on auditioning and scientific background, however I think a good test would be fun. It'll at least end the debate (well no, not really, some will never believe).

There would be no reason for any one test to end the debate. One test would prove nothing, except that one listener passed or failed on one particular day. What's funny about it is that when either happens, the opposing sides blame the tests. Subjectivists say the tests are too "stressful" or "not calibrated for subtle differences" and objectivists claim the tests weren't carried out properly because they couldn't have been if a difference was heard. The belief systems on both sides approach the religious.

A proper DBT would be very difficult to do in the home... and by "proper", I mean one that would satisfy both sides. You'd need a totally objective proctor to monitor the results, multiple trials over several days, etc etc. So it boils down to who thinks a proper DBT is worth the hassle. My own DBT confirmed my sighted listening results, except at a lessened degree of significance. Quite honestly, I have much bigger fish to fry than cables these days. My goal is to experience every recording ever made that I would consider worth hearing. I'll never reach that destination but man, is the ride ever enjoyable!

[emorphien]

There would be no reason for any one test to end the debate. One test would prove nothing, except that one listener passed or failed on one particular day.

I'm not sure why you keep assuming I only mean one listener! I've already told you how I would like to see the testing done.

[musicoverall]

I'm not sure why you keep assuming I only mean one listener! I've already told you how I would like to see the testing done.

Doesn't matter. If it doesn't include the people whose beliefs/experiences you're trying to change, it's meaningless to them. Or are you simply seeking validation of your own beliefs?

[emorphien]

Doesn't matter. If it doesn't include the people whose beliefs/experiences you're trying to change, it's meaningless to them. Or are you simply seeking validation of your own beliefs?

I'm seeking scientifically significant proof based on human trials. It's a purely academic endeavor, I'm not looking to convince anyone of anything. I already have a hypothesis and a pretty good idea of the result, but if I'm wrong I'd accept it. It shouldn't be meaningless to anyone, but the reality is it's pretty easy for people to be stubborn, lose their objectivity, and ignore the results of a perfectly valid test.

[musicoverall]

I'm seeking scientifically significant proof based on human trials. It's a purely academic endeavor, I'm not looking to convince anyone of anything. I already have a hypothesis and a pretty good idea of the result, but if I'm wrong I'd accept it. It shouldn't be meaningless to anyone, but the reality is it's pretty easy for people to be stubborn, lose their objectivity, and ignore the results of a perfectly valid test.

Would you agree that if even one person in the world can reliably determine sonic differences between two cables, that the hypothesis that all cables sound alike fails (assuming proper guage, length, etc)? If you do, you can find "scientifically significant" evidence on the tests you've outlined but never proof. So these tests might convince you, but the results would likely not cause others to do much of anything but ignore your results. Everyone believes that if they were tested (and the tests were valid in their minds) they would blow the null hypothesis to shreds. No one ever doubts the outcome of null results in tests, just the relationship of those results to themselves. At least that's my experience with audiophiles.... a group of which I'm still a member, at least marginally.

[emorphien]

Would you agree that if even one person in the world can reliably determine sonic differences between two cables, that the hypothesis that all cables sound alike fails (assuming proper guage, length, etc)?

Generally speaking, yes. The purpose of the test is not to confirm that they sound the same or that they do not, but to determine what the actual truth of the matter is.

If there's an exception for one person, as you'd say, and it were to be evidence for either hypothesis, we'd have to rule out any other conditions that might affect the test results.