How to switch sources for A/B test

[spaace]

Hi,

I want to compare 2 amps (A/B test) to decide which one to use. The store which has the speakers I like does not have the equipment/know-how to switch sources.

I know it can be done because pro-fx was able to do this for me once, to compare my Yamaha against the Denon's they had.

Is this hard? What is needed to achieve this? Any general guidelines when performing an A/B test would be helpful too.

Thanks
Arun

 

[MaSh]

You need a speaker switch box. All Amps receivers are connected to the box input and speakers, multiple speaker pairs to its output. There are some on Amazon or you could go the diy route and build one to suit your need or visit your car accessories shop, which have such units setup to compare various head units with multiple speaker options. The accessories shop can guide to you their vendor who can build one for you.

MaSh

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[dr_rocket]

I think he wants to know how it can be done at the showroom, to decide which combo is better

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[spaace]

Yes - I did mean to ask how i can do it at the showroom. Let me find some "speaker switch box" and try and recommend them to the show-room. Hopefully they might get one

Thanks
Arun

 

[MaSh]

Yes - I did mean to ask how i can do it at the showroom. Let me find some "speaker switch box" and try and recommend them to the show-room. Hopefully they might get one

Thanks
Arun

Yes I should have mentioned, to provide them with these options.

MaSh

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[square_wave]

Hi,

I want to compare 2 amps (A/B test) to decide which one to use. The store which has the speakers I like does not have the equipment/know-how to switch sources.

I know it can be done because pro-fx was able to do this for me once, to compare my Yamaha against the Denon's they had.

Is this hard? What is needed to achieve this? Any general guidelines when performing an A/B test would be helpful too.

Thanks
Arun

You dont need to do it this way. Wrong way to compare amplifiers or any other audio equipment.

Here is a better way :

Take 2 amplfiers. You connect each to the speakers and do a level match using a db meter or even via ear. Meaning, you try and understand what is the volume level at which you are :

1. At the same loudness on both amps. Mark this on the volume control.
2. While doing the above step, make sure the volume you choose more or less corresponds to the volume you usually listen to.

Now connect the first amp and play your favourite song. Make sure this is a decent quality recording. Listen to the full song. Now disconnect the amp and connect the second amp. Play the full song again on the other amp. Do this with couple of different songs so that you have range. Rock, vocals, classical etc.. Spend atleast an hour doing this. Always sit in the same location and relax and listen to a full song.

Look for the amp which connects you better with your music. You can also observe qualities that separate the amps as well.

In the end you will know which amp you will like.

While doing the above experiment, keep in mind the variable that is the speaker cable. Some cables work better with some type of amp/speaker combination.


On the other hand if you do the switch method ,

Short sampling of audio confuses the mind.
Switchers have their own electrical properties which eventually become a bottleneck with transparency and will subdue nuances in the differences between the amps.

As an aside to the above experiment, audio gear is all about possibilities. Good audio is about right synergy. Fully understanding what an audio gear can do and providing opportunities for it by associating it with right ancillary gear and dollops of good attitude is the key.

 

[vakharia]

I remember Oceanic in Pune has such an equipment (switch) and it was really very useful while we were auditioning speakers. There was clear difference in speaker sound and frequency response that I could pick up.

Good way to audition in my view.