OK Matt, you got me!
I have never participated in a double blind test. It seems to me, that if there are immediately noticeable differences, a double blind (A/B) test would quickly establish which variable was more pleasing.
It also seems to me, that in the event the participants were presented with 2 closely matched variables (audio component), there may be sound quality differences which are not immediately apparent.
Sometimes, I think, it may take some time spent living with the component before its superiority, though subtle, becomes apparent.
Sorry for the fingers in my ears, lalala ...
