Klarinet Archive - Posting 000443.txt from 1999/04

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] science & materials when decoupled
Date: Wed, 7 Apr 1999 21:02:08 -0400

At 09:44 AM 4/7/99 -0500, Dr. David McClune wrote:
>The Stereo Review tests use untrained listeners who do not seem to know
>what they are listening for. The differences in audio equipment are
>audible, sometimes to a large degree. My system in the office let alone at
>home is,,, well,,, worth abit more than all my clarinets combined. Is it
>worth it (actually I bought it all used and saved a bundle)? Faculty and
>students who have heard the two set ups are stunned. After some time
>sharing with them what to listen for, they are amazed that they begin
>hearing little improvements as I change aspects of the system.
>
Still, with instantaneous switching between two systems, or in fact the
SAME system except for cable routing, the audiophiles, musicians, music
critics, etc. they use to do these tests, with multiple trials, ought to be
able to identify one from another with better-than-chance reliability if
the differences are indeed significant. If you have to be literally TAUGHT
to hear the differences, they really can't be very important, except to the
manufacturer's marketing people. Does your multi-thousand-dollar system
better than a K-mart bookshelf system? Of course it does. Better than
mine too, I'll bet. Can people be convinced they can hear something they
cannot? Yes, if they are afraid of looking foolish and/or deaf. I'll take
science over anecdotal evidence, just like in the wood/plastic debate. But
I'd still like a new stereo!

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html
ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.

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