Oppo BP83SE and Blind Testing

[Johnloudb]

The March issue of Stereophile showed up yesterday, and inside was the review of the Oppo BDP83SE, in the Music in the Round column. Kal, The Man, did a blind test comparing the analog audio outputs of the Oppo BDP83SE and Oppo BDP83. Way to go Kal! :T

Well, I know I appreciated it. And, I think it was very needed to restore some confidence in audio reviews, especially after the Lexicon BD30 fiasco discussed here:

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=35684

He also reviewed the Lex BD30.

Just wanted to let y'all know. Those interested in the details can pick up the mag.

[Hdale85]

Was he able to tell a difference?

[Johnloudb]

Was he able to tell a difference?

He heard a difference, but It didn't sound like he tested whether he could identify a difference or not. The test was just set up to eliminate bias in the review, as he didn't have ABX blind test box. So he didn't know which he was listening during the period in which he was comparing the two.

If he had someone else work the switch while he was listening he could have done that type of blind test, but I didn't see anything like that mentioned. Could have, I need to read it more closely.

But he did eliminate personal bias, and that is very good thing IMO.

[wettou]

The March issue of Stereophile showed up yesterday, and inside was the review of the Oppo BDP83SE, in the Music in the Round column. Kal, The Man, did a blind test comparing the analog audio outputs of the Oppo BDP83SE and Oppo BDP83. Way to go Kal! :T

Well, I know I appreciated it. And, I think it was very needed to restore some confidence in audio reviews, especially after the Lexicon BD30 fiasco discussed here:

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=35684

He also reviewed the Lex BD30. Just wanted to let y'all know. Those interested in the details can pick up the mag.

And the winner is?

[Johnloudb]

Sorry, I can't say anymore. You could get the magazine when it shows up at the store. Or, maybe Kal will see this and drop a few crumbs.

[Hdale85]

Yeah, not really any place locally that carry it Oh well though.

[Johnloudb]

I've seen it at Barnes and Noble, probably show up there in a couple weeks.

[wettou]

I've seen it at Barnes and Noble, probably show up there in a couple weeks.

I guess I need a trip at B&N

[Kal Rubinson]

He heard a difference, but It didn't sound like he tested whether he could identify a difference or not. The test was just set up to eliminate bias in the review, as he didn't have ABX blind test box. So he didn't know which he was listening during the period in which he was comparing the two.

If he had someone else work the switch while he was listening he could have done that type of blind test, but I didn't see anything like that mentioned. Could have, I need to read it more closely.

But he did eliminate personal bias, and that is very good thing IMO.

Thanks. Yes, it would have been better to have another 'blinded' individual do the switching for ABX but that was/is not possible. It might be for a short session but my auditions were spread over about 2 weeks. Also, the situation required an attentive switcher to insure that both players had the same disc and that the single remote controlled both players in synchrony. My wife's interest and attention do not go that far.

[Hdale85]

Well B&N is at minimum 45 min away. Don't make it out that way very often.

[Johnloudb]

Thanks. Yes, it would have been better to have another 'blinded' individual do the switching for ABX but that was/is not possible. It might be for a short session but my auditions were spread over about 2 weeks. Also, the situation required an attentive switcher to insure that both players had the same disc and that the single remote controlled both players in synchrony. My wife's interest and attention do not go that far.

Yeah, I appreciate the difficulty in setting up and conducting a good double test.

[Johnloudb]

Well B&N is at minimum 45 min away. Don't make it out that way very often.

Dougie, for about the price of a CD you could get a year subscription to Stereophile, like I do. It is Sooo worth it! Order now and you'd get the March issue, I'm sure.

[Hdale85]

Yeah....maybe. I don't generally have a lot of time where I can sit down and read something lol. When I do get that sort of time usually the kids are bothering me, if they aren't then they would be after I pull out a magazine. They like to flip through the pages of books/magazines.

[wkhanna]

FYI

http://www.stereophile.com/

Have it either way, ink & papyrus for those of us, like me, who still crave the ability to physically caress the written word, or tech-savvy e-version (with postponed publish dates compared to the rag) of all the same goodies.

Hey! Why no Kindle version? :W

[PewterTA]

You could always view it on line and print it out to read it...........

Best of both worlds??? LOL.

[Hdale85]

I bet that violates some copy wright law of some sort lol.

[David Meek]

If you are interested in reading about all kinds of good equipment and learning more about our "hobby", I really recommend subscribing to Stereophile. Good, informative, (many times) fun writing. :T

And, FWIW I'm not affiliated with the publication in any way.

[Hdale85]

Oh I know it's a great magazine, I've looked it over a few times while getting coffee in B&N.

[wettou]

Oh I know it's a great magazine, I've looked it over a few times while getting coffee in B&N.

No more Stereophile at my B&N Kal's article caused the shortage :T Way to go Kal