Another tack, the American Idol analogy...

[E-Stat]

So it makes me wonder that if there are so many people, ie. a very large majority, who can't even recognize a note, how are people able to compare cables or any audio equipement for that matter?

You may be surprised that I agree with you here. Your observation can be equally applied to those who participate in "scientific" tests as well. The problem I have with the popular "Russell" link that purports to be definitive here is a complete and utter lack of any sort of testing details. Nothing as to what equipment was used. Nothing as to who participated. Nothing as to what music was used (if at all). Nothing as to the familiarity of that material to those tested. Statistics and testing are only valid within the boundaries of their data. Recently, mytry kindly provided a link back to one of his posts that listed the DBT evidence. I read all of those that were available via the net. Of them, only one likewise gave any notion of such information.

http://www.tagmclaren.com/members/news/news77.asp

When you look at the specifics, however, the cables being compared were McLaren's own cables (ICs that cost about $300) and some midrange Nordost cables. Ok. Does that prove that there is no difference between either company's best efforts and some freebie ones (as is commonly asserted here)? NO. As for McLaren's overall view on cables, directionality, breakin, etc., follow this link:

http://www.tagmclarenaudio.com/dev/white/wp8.asp

One of the regulars here and at AA has posted several rather surprising (at least to me) comments regarding double blind testing methodology. He believes that the participants do not need any training (like perhaps an American Idol reject?), the material used for testing must both be simple and unfamiliar to the participant, and that the quality of the audio equipment is irrelevant because it is of "minimal impact". That begs the question as to what the objective of the test may be. If you're not familiar with the Russell link, here it is. My favorite listing is the one shockingly titled Stereo Review Dares to Tell the Truth (1983).

http://www.roger-russell.com/wire.htm

rw

[mtrycraft]

http://www.roger-russell.com/wire.htm

rw

Oh, that Russell link. His findings has yet to be refuted under DBT conditions.
You don't have to like his tests. His finding is consistent with reality of unbiased listening. Live with it.
However, the world is still waiting for your evidence for differences in cables.

[E-Stat]

Oh, that Russell link. His findings has yet to be refuted under DBT conditions.

Read the link again. Russell has no findings. He reports the findings of others. My point is that those referenced tests are devoid of any substantiation. As for the Stereo Review test, I have no doubt that there were no audible differences detected between 12 gauge Monster zip, 16 gauge zip, and 24 gauge zip in 30 foot lengths on some mid-fi receiver back in 1983.

rw