More clearly stated, DSP is not limited to equalization, but equalization is most certainly a very useful form of DSP.

A good hardware ABX comparator is going to have a tape out/in function to allow a single input to the comparator looped out for processing and thus comparison with a pass-through. Right. But it seems there's still some confusion. Heck, you can even use an ABX comparator with speaker (or...

Note that in most cases with a single output from the original source (DSD in this case), you will need the PCM loop input and output both through the switch box. Essentially, like a tape loop. Actually, you could pretty easily use a receiver or preamp tape loop for a single blind test. Also...

You totally missed the point of my post. There is zero need for digital conversion to or from DSD to PCM to compare them via the method I proposed. You would take the analog output of the DSD DAC and run it into a comparator that can switch between a pass-through and a level matched PCM...

Interesting to see more members post on their thoughts of what constitutes a "Tier" as far as headphones go.

  So, Redcarmoose, you've identified some of the headphones in each of your "Tiers" - but how did you come to that conclusion?   There's obviously a strong correlation with price, but we all know that there isn't a direct relationship regarding price versus objective performance.   Are you...

In addition to a sturdier or more reliable cable (IMHO the HD 650 cable fixes that), a more portable cable for transportable use is most certainly a reason to upgrade.  I'm thinking of doing it myself.

  Yes, it is cheatable.  Fortunately, for one's own personal use that isn't a very important flaw.   It would be relatively simple for a proctor to supervise its use in a formal test setting, though.  But that does mean supervision, which is always more work than none.

  That's what double blind ABX testing in Foobar2000 (or a similar ABX generator) is for.   There are tons of posted test results on the net, with all sorts of test parameters, if you want to read about tests others have done.  Or, you can perform tests yourself, as many here (myself...

A note here: Someone (who is long-term active on the forums) ought to reboot the Testing Audiophile Claims and Myths thread.   Before that happens though, here's a question:  Should it pick up from where the old one stopped without copying all of the old links, or should it include those as...

Does that mean bait and switching them to a 1000 Hz square wave at 0 dB full scale, after getting them to put IEMs in and turn the volume all the way up?

  I had to check for myself, and it's true...  How much is bail on bigshot's thumbs up button?  Can we all pitch in to cover it?  Or is it considered dangerous enough that there will be no bail?

I'll suggest that there is a practical way to ABX double blind test DSD versus PCM audio.   At least, if one starts with the assumption that if DSD audio at sufficient sample rate is superior, and that a PCM ADC/DAC loop would degrade or otherwise affect the sound audibly.   At least one...

Thanks for the video link!  That was perfect.  Demonstrating the basics of digital signal theory in an easily digestible form, for those unfamiliar with (or more importantly, those with a misunderstanding of) the principles.   In fact, it was just like a university lab exercise would work - I...

I have to say, there certainly has been some good popcorn eatin' entertainment in certain threads here the last couple of days...  Too much for the fun police it seems.