Mike,
My backgound: Medical Physician trained at Georgetown Medical school well versed in clinical trials and the value of the placebo effect as well as statistical analaysis as I read clincal studies every day.
Audio: worked at the first high end audio store in the USA The Music Box in Wellesley MA opened in 1929 to 1997 (owner retired) sold everything from Rotel to Mark Levinson Sota Transpaent MIT Audioquest ect
Testing: in main listing room on flagship system Mark Levinson top line (at the time) double blinded tests on same system matching vol with digital Db meter, same source for each test. Panel 5 experienced audiophile professionals with total of 120 yrs of experience, we compared entry level to top line only b/c this would highlight any differences if any.
Results:
interconnect No diffence could be reliable predicted under blind conditions that is more than chance would accout for score ranged from 48% to 55% from best to worse
speakers wire: more varibilty here with half the group scoring 65 to 75% thus possibly significant
power power cords/conditioners: 43% to 51% as perdicited no diffence between stock power cords and 600$ ones (this is real area of snake oil )if you believe this one go back to physics 101 & I have a bridge to sell ya.
Our above testing preformed in Feb 1993 is not statisticaly sig because we needed more people to improve its power. In any event this was done with a group of people who are all "golden ears" so dont retort with the same old "well you cant hear the difference because you lack the listing skills" while that mabey true for the general population that is clearly not the case here.
I think any objective person would say my opinion has some credence behind it not to be dismissed as you noted.
As for your experience it sounds like your mind playing the placebo effect on you ie the fancy cable HAS to sound better so it does, try identifing diffences blindly and if you can do it 75% you would prove me wrong. Can you say "Tice Clock" google that one for the king of placebo devices. Stick with the physics and reality not fancy marking & nonsensical explanations ie "the electrons flow better". These Item are pushed by all high end retail store b/c they have the HIGHEST MARGIN (I know I worked at one) Take care & Enjoy your otherwise fantastic system. Rob M.D. Ps please forgive the typo(s)
