Quote Originally Posted by E-Stat View Post
You've identified a third non-scientific approach: the use of unsupported assumptions concerning the very test procedure used to "prove" the question. First of all, do you ever switch interconnects between say a source and pre or power amp while both are powered up and set to normal listening gain levels? Of course not! Why? Well, the noise or huge POP! can potentially damage downstream gear or at least open a fuse. Performing a double blind test of cabling necessarily requires connecting both cables to a switch box between the components used. Naturally, the use of external uncontrolled variables is not required for comparing wines! The non-experiential theorists reason that since the switch contact impedance, inductance and capacitance is low, they assume that the box does not influence the test. Such incomplete thinking completely misses the point! Preventing the POP! requires the use of common grounds. So, now you are comparing the combined electrical characteristics of both cables. Or feedback loops between two amplifier so wired.

Is it any wonder then that listeners are unable to hear the difference between using both cables and - both cables? Frank Van Alstine made that observation long ago. Some folks attempt to defend their position cloaked in the mantle of engineering using fallacious assumptions like this.

rw
Certainly... That is another problem with talking about science... Getting agreement on whether the test procedures are appropriate for the conclusions drawn...

Adding a switch box to cable test makes no sense simply because it is highly unlikely that persons who claim to hear differences in cables, will just accept the idea that the switch box makes no audible difference... If they accepted that then they would just as likely accept the notion that cables make no audible difference...

My view on cables is simply that a lot more research needs to be done... as so far no one has definitively proved that cables make an audible difference (connection, gauge, etc excluded), but also no one has definitively proved that cables don't make an audible difference...