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Perceiving Distinctions

Posted by Jim Susky on August 28, 2002 at 09:46:47

In Reply to: The Emperor's New Clothes posted by Duilawyer on August 27, 2002 at 20:20:18:

I can think of three reasons why you do not perceive distinctions between SACD and CD layers on those
Stones discs. I would say these reasons are not mutually exclusive.

Biggest reason is testing method – which includes your state of mind during the test. My limited experience
(and some anecdotes gathered in audio literature over the years) indicates that repeated short-term trials
done with intent concentration yields vanishing returns. The advice given below – to chill for a week or so
and just listen with less critical attention – may well yield an appreciation of the difference. I would say
most non-audiophiles listen this way.

Second most likely reason is your innate musical and audio sensitivities. The literature indicates some of
this can be affected by the type of music exposure you've had – live, live-but-amplified, analog, digital, etc.
No put-down is implied here. In my own case I envy my wife in that she has a much more sensitive nose
which allows her to better appreciate fine food and wine. She also can hear very subtle and quiet sounds
better than I. Interesting that she is also more tolerant of some audio-system foibles than I am.

The third (least likely in my estimation) is system masking. My belief at this time is that SACD has an
easy, continuous presentation akin to LP and tape replay – which does not necessarily translate well using
the usual observational lexicon. I'll get to test this when I get our second and third SACD machines
and put them on our lesser systems.

THE BBQ

I look forward to your report on your informal single-blind test at your upcoming BBQ. It would good if
you describe it not as a "test" but as "check out these re-released Stones discs".

Play a track that really grooves – the CD layer first. When it's done, say (in DUI fashion) "Damn, that was
so good I want to play it again". Switch to SACD. Do not ask for reactions, let them come unsolicited.
Keep it casual to keep 'analytic mode' turned off in the subjects.

This always worked when I switched a cable or a preamp or an amp, or whatever without notice. My wife would say, "The system sounds different - what did you do?"

I'll look for your report.

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