Re: [ARSCLIST] A proposed A/B test (was "dumbing down" of Downloaded Recordings)

[Bob Olhsson <olh@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

-----Original Message-----
>From Marcos Sueiro Bal: "...TEN YEARS OF A/B/X TESTING
David Clark
"...Questioning the test methodology is consistent with the
scientific method, particularly if it leads to a better test.
The problem here is that the challenge rarely leads to a better
test or vindication of the old test and acceptance of the
results..."

Except that "rarely" is not the same thing as never.

There has been extensive peer-reviewed literature published by the IEEE
suggesting this kind of consumer magazine grade double-blind test virtually
always yields random results because it isn't sensitive enough to uncover
anything but the most gross audible differences. Yes, all of us are very
easy to fool but that doesn't have anything to do with what may or may not
become an audible annoyance to listeners over time.


Bob Olhsson Audio Mastery, Nashville TN
Mastering, Audio for Picture, Mix Evaluation and Quality Control
Over 40 years making people sound better than they ever imagined!
615.385.8051 http://www.hyperback.com    http://womb.mixerman.net