Bottleneck,

I remember the thread and your comments very well indeed but there is no need to apologise as I was not offended. The different views, beliefs and preferences of all individuals who inhabit these forums are what make the regular debates so interesting and sometimes so heated. My views on blind testing are not as hard core as some of my fellow supporters of the art. FWIW, I do believe that there are differences between cables whether listened to sighted or blind. However, I must qualify that by saying that IME, differences between some cables are only marginal where others sound indistinguishable. To believe otherwise is folly IMO and perhaps could explain why the cables sharks are springing up all over the place like wild mushrooms due to the gullibility of audiophools. Having said that, I must admit that I use also use well regarded audiophile cables but they cost me zilch (a gift from a fairy godmother) so I am not under pressure to hear a huge difference especially when you consider the crazy prices cables are commanding these days. I also don't believe that all CD players and amplifiers sound the same whether listened to sighted or blind. But here again, hype, reviews etc could influence what we hear in a sighted test. However, when it comes to spending my own money on a piece of equipment, I prefer to take out all external influences that could affect my choices such as the make, model or technology (e.g. upsampling employed) of the component, previews glowing reviews etc. I feel it is important that my choices are made based on what I hear (musically) not what I've read or heard about a component or cable. Also, I buy components that would last me for a few years not a month or two so the right choice is essential and this perhaps could explain why you never see posts from me seeking advice on new components or declaring a new upgrade every month or so.

My initial selection of components first takes place via sighted listening at dealer showrooms vs my own gear. I then take home the components that impressed me the most and that I also feel I could live with and be happy to have in my listening room for years. I agree with you that if a component makes little or no difference, then it should not be pursued further. My own LBTs simply help me separate the wheat from the chaff without external influences such as pre internet discussions, reviews, hype etc. Therefore, although I would listen to components on loan at leisure, I also put my hearing and sighted preferences to the test by surrendering control of all the gear and my listening room to friends who make sure I cannot see the component or cables being demonstrated. This I must admit throws up interesting surprises and could even explain why components I purchase using the LBT method stay in my system for years rather than months. I am what can be considered not just a music lover but also a long-term investor. As to the last digital (CD player/DAC) fest that I held at my house, well I still haven't purchased a new CD player yet. I am still looking for that CD player which can be as musical or even sound better for sensible money than my tweaked Michell Gyro SE turntable, Trichord power supply; upgraded SME IV arm, Grado Reference cartridge and Graham Slee Era Gold V phono stage. In the meantime, I'll just keep on buying LPs as every true music lover should do.  

Enjoy the music,

Lawrie.