Here are some problems when evaluating cables...

[okiemax]

If you read Cable Asylum's position on DBTs, they state clearly and emphatically that DBTs are the only reliable way to distinguish subtle differences in the sound of different audio components. Discussion of DBTs is not permitted at that site. The reason given is that it causes too many flame wars. (Given the sharp arguements that sometimes occur there, discussion of DBTs is not the only source of flame wars.)

I didn't know Cable Asylum had an official position regarding the reliability of double-blind testing. Where would I find this position presented?

I agree that in theory blinded testing would appear to be the only way to test without bias. But "only way" doesn't necessarily mean "reliable way." How do we know it is reliable?

[mtrycraft]

How do we know it is reliable?

One only has to check what is used in industry, research and to publish. DBT listening.
Sighted listening for small differences has nothing going for it.

Oh, the official AA stand on DBT is somewhere in ther FAQ about wire or something. So, even they accept the de facto testing methodology. Interesting, isn't it?

[okiemax]

One only has to check what is used in industry, research and to publish. DBT listening.
Sighted listening for small differences has nothing going for it.

Oh, the official AA stand on DBT is somewhere in ther FAQ about wire or something. So, even they accept the de facto testing methodology. Interesting, isn't it?

I know double-blind testing has been used in a variety of settings. I wanted to know if there been any studies that took a critical look at the use of this testing for audible differences in hifi components?

Skeptic's comment and my question regarding official position were specifically about CableAsylum, not AudioAsylum. I can't find an official postion on double-blind testing in CableAslum.

[mtrycraft]

But have there been any studies that took a critical look at double-blind testing for audible differences in hifi components. What's wrong with asking whether the test do what they are supposed to do?

Skeptic's comment and my question were specifically about CableAsylum, not AudioAsylum. I can't find an official postion or stand on double-blind testing in CableAslum.

It is obvious to anyone who checks out what is happening in the real audio industry, audio research, acoustic research, is that DBT is a must to account for human bias. Why would audio be given a free pass from science on this? Sighted listeing for these differences is just plain unreliable and has no meaning.

What is the difference between CA or AA? There is one stand on DBT, period. You don't like that stand?