As a long time lurker I’ve noticed the ongoing flare ups over subjective listening vs. objective measurement as valid system evaluation techniques. After hearing some of Frank’s fan club mention the benefits of double blond testing, I decided to give it a try.
I learned that a double blond listening test is not easy to do – but can yield interesting results. First you have to find two blondes to come home with you. Only after mentioning how the 5 ½ inch woofer on my Biro L/1 actually performed like a 10 inch driver was I able to finally get two blonds to help me with the test.
I planned the first listening session would be with the two blonds. With them positioned on either side of me, after about five minutes of trying to evaluate the music above their constant chatter, I tried to get them to listen carefully to the sound quality. After suggesting that I play a track that was especially revealing in terms of bottom end articulation they abruptly left.
I then continued the listening test without them, and have reached a clear conclusion: my system sounds much better without the double blonds than with the double blonds.
I’d like to thank all of you for helping me clear up this nagging issue.
