rfg@hound.UUCP (R.GRANTGES) (04/29/85)
[!-)] I used to think all this stuff about cats and A-B testing of CD's was malarkey. But then I recalled that I had a mobile sound absorber and colorer of my own - an elderley, plump, Golden Retreiver (female), name of Penney. Zounds! An uncontrolled variable I had overlooked in A-B tests. I had carefully removed my digital watch from the room and observed all the other important caveats for A-B tests (Incredibly precise level matching, even the latest sine-qua-non from Murray Hill, the absolute time synch (+-10 milliseconds, 3 sigma)the proper color scheme for the grill cloth (black for equal absorption at all frequencies), etc.) I had learned to disconnect the icebox and the furnace and the door bell and the phone and the battery powered clock in the upstairs bathroom that keeps going "click, click, click..." I even use #12 AWG cable certified by Jersey Central Power and Light (because I mostly enjoy Bass from 60 hz down). In short, I thought I had done everything to insure super scientific results (I even reinstated my subscription to Consumers Reports magazine (which someone out there is always calling Consumers Union)).Everything! Well, you can imagine my consternation! And Pennney wouldn't stay put, either. She'd pick herself up and plop down at an apparently random (but perhaps cleverly calculated) position at odd (but perhaps important) moments. Oh, God! What did I do to deserve this cruel twist of fate! Why me! etc. So, last weekend I repeated all my tests so far, but this time I drugged the dog and moved her from place to place, carefully noting all effects on the experiment. I won't bore you with all of the careful measurements I made or the tedious calculations. I know you are really just interested in the "bottom line." Well, with only one small exception, I can report a uniform result that is most gratifying: It didn't make any difference at all. Probably because Penney's coefficient of absorption and bass resonant frequency are the same as my well worn wall- to-all rug. The single exception was when Penney was lying on my head. In those instances I was aware of some perturbation of the sound stage and an increase in background noise level. Since it is relatively easy to avoid these instances, I conclude that I can ignore Penney's presence in future A-B tests at home. Thank Goodness for that! -- "It's the thought, if any, that counts!" Dick Grantges hound!rfg