Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
My point about the comparison is that with BOTH pairs of speakers in the same room, there is MUCH more data available than if the same trusted person were simply auditioning a custom set alone. You have available not only the subjective assessment of the custom speakers but also the subjective assessment of the stock speakers AND the subjective differences between the two. Additional data often increases expectations. Heightened expectations infer an additional burden in assessment and analysis.

Thank you for the clarification. I understand now, and agree.

 Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
Jack, I certainly don't want to disappoint you. And I will respectfully decline your eloquent implied invitation to continue an argument for which I frankly lack both passion and time. We're splitting hairs. This is supposed to be fun.

Tom, if you mean "argument" in the sense of "quarrel," I most respectfully disagree with you. I have profound respect for you and have no wish to quarrel with you.

However, you have, thus far, accused me of being "fired up, "stirring the pot," and now "inviting you to continue an argument," none of which I feel is a fair and/or accurate assessment. I hope you will forgive me for saying that I feel you are mistaken in those characterizations. I don't believe I've made any personal statements about you or my perception of your state of mind (which I could not possibly know) that would incite your wrath. If I have, I sincerely apologize.

Jack

"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton