Sighted listening tests and the affects of bias. My story

[Scott Wheeler]

There has been numerous on going debates over listen tests sighted and blind here. the contention against sighted tests are the influences of preconceptions on such tests. I am going to tellthe story of one such listening tests and how they related or failed to relate to my biases. When in Hong Kong I had the oppertunity to listen to three of the most highly touted turntables in the world. The Forsell, The Clearaudio Master reference, and the Rockport Sirius III. My preconceptions were as follows: The Rockport in my opinion on paper was in comparison to all other tables the Space Shuttle compared to bicycles. Andy Payor brilliantly solved every design aspect of turntables that previously involved compramises. He built near frictionless bearings that were stiffer than steel. He attacked resonances in every way possible and he built the ultimate drive mechanism, a direct drive with no moving parts. Brilliant. But very expensive. I fully expected this table to blow away the other two. The Clearaudio Master reference, what a beautiful table. And the least expensive of the three. I thought how wonderful it would be if the one table I could actually afford would be the one that sounded best, It certainly looked best. The Forsell, this was the least attractive of the three visually and conceptually. How can high tolorance bearings possibly compete with the Rockport? In some ways it looks like it was built in some one's garage. And it looked painfully complicated. I didn't want to like it. I didn't understand it, I thought it was rather ugly next to the other two turntables and I couldn't afford it.


Listening tests: The owner of the shop who was not a Forsell dealer shook her head as the Forsell played. She smiled and nodded as the Clearaudio played and she damn near jumped for joy when the Rockport played. We listened to a number of LPs they had that I also own and consider to be reference quality. When we were done the owner had proclaimed the Rockport champ and the Forsell (on loan from a private owner who was auditioning the other two tables) to be the solid looser. I just smiled and nodded. I was actually physically nausiated by the fact that I liked the Forsell best. It was like finding out the X Files was infact a documentary. It really bothered me. But I know what I heard, or so I think I do. It wasn't what I expected nor what I wanted.

This is but one of many examples of my experience being in direct conflict with my wishes and preconceptions. This is not scientific by any measure but it is the reason I trust my ears.

[Sckott]

"Tube amps are ugly, hot and a pain in the ***!"

I'm sure that's been said a few times in the past!

[Richard Feirstein]

Were they running three identical cartridges in the three units or was this actually a cartridge comparison?

I currently have a very complex turntable that electronically adjusts everything including arm dynamics, and every time I use this beautiful machine I long for my AR turntable that I gave away when I acquired this expensive hardware. Sometimes simple is better.

[Jeffrey]

Originally posted by Sckott
"Tube amps are ugly, hot and a pain in the ***!"

I'm sure that's been said a few times in the past!

Hi Sckott,

I agree, tubes suck. They are usually owned by those audiophile bastards who buy equipment strictly to brag about it. Fortunately, I have seen the light.

-Jeffrey

[Scott Wheeler]

All three had Clearaudio Insiders.

[Bob Lovely]

All,

I have had the opportunity to hear many, many systems over the years with many, many combinations of equipment--mass consumer, semi-pro, pro and ultra high end audiophile in both homes and at audio dealers. And while I have been very impressed with many of these systems and indivdiual components, the most impressive sound that I have ever heard came from a less than likely high quality source.

A friend of mine who lives in another State has put together a somewhat unique audio system that is comprised of a combination of retro-fitted mass consumer, pro equipment and pure high end audiophile gear. He has retrofitted circa 1968 JBL floor sitting console speakers with horn drivers and two active 15" woofers, two circa late 70's Harmon-Kardon amps (with some updated internal components) strapped to Mono that yield 1200 watts RMS per channel. I have listened to this system, even as he updates the other components, over the years and I have never ceased to be in total awe. Regardless of the type of music played through system whether it be from vinyl or digital sources, regardless of the level of volume, this system just simply blows me away with power (obvious), impact, layers, textures, color and full reproduction of dynamic range. I have never heard this system sound bad on any type of music.

This brings me to a point, whether intentional or not, sometimes it is the unique combination of compenents that forms a vehicle for absolutely stunning sound.

A story that I just wanted to share.

Bob :)

[Scott Wheeler]

Actually the best looking amp I've ever seen were the Jadis JA 80 mono blocks. all tube amp with no grill or face plate finished in gold and chrome plate. Man were they nice looking.