Entry level cable group test - AOS event 31-10-2009

[MAD]

System set up

1. MAD Elgar Loudspeakers
2. YBA CD Player - MAD Maddy Power Cord
3. Perraeux 250w integrated - MAD Maddy Power Cord
4. MAD No.20 Power Conditioner - MAD England Power Cord
5. Speaker Cables - MAD The Queen Bi-wire

Test tracks

1. Sound of Silence
2. Lulaby - Proprius Cantate Domino (Female Vocal)
3. Money for Nothing - Dire Striat

Group test - entry level cables

1. Barry interconnect with Neutrik plugs - 1m

2. Chord Chameleon - 1m

3. Mark Grant Cable - 1m
(Not the legendary £20 one we are expecting for, it's a new model which is yet available on the MG website - I been told by Marco the price is £70, but needed to be confirmed with Marco again)

4. MAD My Baby - 1m

5. MAD My Ox - 2m

Test structure:

It was a blind test, tracks mentioned were played 5 times. Cables had been changed randomly to avoid prejudice.

Feedbacks and opinions:

(1) Rather Boring, some people getting bore. Chatting noise (My own opinion)

(2) After the same track played a few times, listeners may get better impression on the later one's being tested, as they are more familiar with the music. (Dave)

(3) No one should name out the cable, after recoginze what is being played. (David)

Please feel free to contribute ideas, feedback for a better, impartial and interest test .

I also would like to invite John, Barry, Nick + Ali to listen to all these cables in their own environment.

[Steve Toy]

So what were the findings? Do the numbers of the results (only 3) correspond with the 5 numbered cables?

After 5 plays familiarity with a track may be outweighed by boredom.

[MAD]

So what were the findings? Do the numbers of the results (only 3) correspond with the 5 numbered cables?

No, three tracks played five times on each cable

[Themis]

You have a lot of courage organizing a group blind cable test... usually people don't like that. Needs too much concentration. Even with the appropriate switching material.

I'm keen to know the results and opinions of the participants.

[Steve Toy]

Given the convivial backdrop to the event I would have avoided a blind test and kept it as hands-on. Hands-on testing is effective in a group because a broad consensus can be reached provided people are honest.

[Joe]

Nah, blind tests are the only way of eliminating bias IMO, especially where differences are likely to be quite subtle.

[Steve Toy]

Subtle differences are also exaggerated in blind testing as people over compensate for lack of other cues when they do hear the differences.

[DSJR]

Chord Chameleon an "entry" cable?

Methinks I mix in the wrong circles...........

[DSJR]

P.S

Steve, many "differences" aren't even heard in blind listening. The "hands on" experiences allowing emotions to rule. Take Quad 57's for instance; if you know they're playing, you make all sorts of allowances for them because where they're good they're still awsome, but if heard blind, their shortcomings are all too obvious and they used to be marked down because of it........

[Mike Reed]

I prefer to listen to music..........

A blind drunk test; now there's a thought!