I'm closing my eyes now....and I still can't hear a difference between these posted arguments.
I've read as much of this thread as I can tolerate in one sitting.
That being said, this info may have been mentioned already...
Discuss theory and 'what-if' all you guys want, but the best way is to take the (listening) challenge yourself.
(I can't yet post links - 9 posts so far, toward the 15 required)
Go build yourself an A/B box.
Easy....one relay, a switch, a diode, some appropriate jacks, and a DC wall wart.
sound.westhost.com/absw.htm
Correct, it's not A/B/X, but by pushing the button you go back and forth between the gear being tested.....you will not know which you are listening to unless you install the A and B LEDs (or keep them out-of-sight).
I'm sure much has been mentioned here on JREG about A/B (/X) testing.
I build DIY headphone amps, and use this A/B box to 'listen' for better quality between each of my designs.
Of course I'm testing the electronics/components part of the system.
I have not tested the 'sound' of two different cables, yet.
But for ST's-and-GIG's, try this:
Walk into an audiophile hi-fi store with an A/B box in your hand, telling the salesman..."I'd like to A/B test some gear before I buy it."
What reply do you expect to hear from the salesman?
Probably not much cooperation, and.... why not ?
But who's going to buy/borrow the Pear $7500 cables, to compare ?
What about the difference between ANY cables ?
I do have on-hand some $700 interconnects (yes, not speaker cable) ...and some el cheapo 99cent store interconnects.
I'll try it this week.
More info:
sound.westhost.com/cables.htm
ackthud.net/shawnfogg/pics/temp/ABX_manual.pdf
sound.westhost.com/abx-tester.htm
=S=