Audio Electronics Listening Experiments    

Audio Electronics Listening Tests

Carefully-controlled listening experiments are important for best component selection and best decision-making. Stroud Audio Inc. has performed blind A-B tests both in-house and at the customer's location.

It's easy to convince yourself that one device or circuit is much better than another. Thrilling clarity or precise definition. I've heard it myself, only to find that the differences I've heard often vanish with the rigor of a properly done listening experiment.

Enthusiastic vendors can produce convincing demonstrations whose benefits are gained from slight tonal boosts or subtle volume differences.

If an electronic component or processing system creates a strongly noticed improvement, then if that improvement is real, it will not disappear during true objective testing.

Maximizing Objectivity in
Listening Tests

SAI incorporates a number of techniques to maximize objectivity and get the best result for your listening test:
- Volume is precisely matched
- Delays and smooth volume ramps are available
- Tone and number of sources matched
- Number of sources is controlled
- Single or double blind testing is available

Equipment Available for Testing

Stroud Audio uses state-of-art hardware and software to insure your subjects hear only what they're are listening for:
- High quality stereo and 5.1 amplifiers (or we can
  use your amplifier)
- MOTU 828 8 in 8 out 24-bit firewire audio
  interfaces

- Ableton Live audio processing software for
  comprehensive and seamless control of
  your listening experiment
- Intentionally-degraded signals are available
  for CODEC rank comparisons (MUSHRA testing)

Your experiment can be digitally recorded for further evaluations.

Let Us Help You with Your
Listening Experiments

SAI can serve as a third-party for your decision making. We can develop custom electronics and unique test setups for special needs.

Please contact us for all your listening test needs.