4 ms·

People who make such claims either repeat the tests until they get one with a perfect score or otherwise don't count every trial, do a poor job of conversion so

People who make such claims either repeat the tests until they get one with a perfect score or otherwise don't count every trial, do a poor job of conversion so there is clipping or other artifacts that break blinding, compare different sources like the standard version that accompanies the "high rez" version on an SACD but may be from a different mastering, don't level match, don't actually do a real double blind test, don't do enough trials, or are just lying.

givinguflac 2y ago
I’ve done multiple online tests and always scored at least in the 70s. Using foobar and my own cds or hi res downloads I’ve done encoding of the same exact wav file to flac, mp3, and ogg. Flac wins. Using monitor speakers (Mackie MR5’s) and a high end DAC it was not at all difficult for me. I truly appreciate you calling me a liar though; really adds to the conversation.
- BoingBoomTschak 2y ago
  > Mackie MR5 Don't want to sound snarky, but these are only "decent" (the succeeding MRx24 add an actually designed waveguide) and you'll never hear the sound of a DAC unless it's very badly implemented or has SNR troubles that show with ultra sensitive IEMs. Anyone who has read enough of the research in the matter will tell you that the codec itself is an improbable culprit. The way it's encoded and the test setup usually are "at fault" in this situation.
  - snvzz 2y ago
    Indeed, it is quite possible to tell mp3 from flac in double blind test, with a good pair of ears and cheap (but well-measuring) audio equipment.
    - BoingBoomTschak 2y ago
      I give the benefit of doubt for mp3, since the format is simply flawed even with all the LAME magic (e.g. https://wiki.hydrogenaud.io/index.php?title=LAME_Y_switch https://wiki.hydrogenaud.io/index.php?title=LAME_Y_switch). Though the differences mostly remain in the realm of ABX competition, especially with VBR (always use VBR). But for Vorbis, AAC and Opus with decent encoder/bitrate, I doubt it. Baring killer samples like castanets showing pre-echo issues inherent to some MDCT based codecs.
      - snvzz 2y ago
        Can't say about AAC, have never tried. Vorbis fooled me at 160-192 territory... over a decade ago. Opus is very hard, even at 128kbps, tested relatively recently (3-5yr ago)
- hackingonempty 2y ago
  I don't know why you're hearing a difference I'm just pointing out that there are many reasons why you could be hearing a difference that are not a specific effect of the codec itself. You're right I shouldn't be making crappy posts and will try better in the future.

givinguflac 2y ago

I’ve done multiple online tests and always scored at least in the 70s. Using foobar and my own cds or hi res downloads I’ve done encoding of the same exact wav file to flac, mp3, and ogg. Flac wins. Using monitor speakers (Mackie MR5’s) and a high end DAC it was not at all difficult for me. I truly appreciate you calling me a liar though; really adds to the conversation.

BoingBoomTschak 2y ago
> Mackie MR5 Don't want to sound snarky, but these are only "decent" (the succeeding MRx24 add an actually designed waveguide) and you'll never hear the sound of a DAC unless it's very badly implemented or has SNR troubles that show with ultra sensitive IEMs. Anyone who has read enough of the research in the matter will tell you that the codec itself is an improbable culprit. The way it's encoded and the test setup usually are "at fault" in this situation.
- snvzz 2y ago
  Indeed, it is quite possible to tell mp3 from flac in double blind test, with a good pair of ears and cheap (but well-measuring) audio equipment.
  - BoingBoomTschak 2y ago
    I give the benefit of doubt for mp3, since the format is simply flawed even with all the LAME magic (e.g. https://wiki.hydrogenaud.io/index.php?title=LAME_Y_switch https://wiki.hydrogenaud.io/index.php?title=LAME_Y_switch). Though the differences mostly remain in the realm of ABX competition, especially with VBR (always use VBR). But for Vorbis, AAC and Opus with decent encoder/bitrate, I doubt it. Baring killer samples like castanets showing pre-echo issues inherent to some MDCT based codecs.
    - snvzz 2y ago
      Can't say about AAC, have never tried. Vorbis fooled me at 160-192 territory... over a decade ago. Opus is very hard, even at 128kbps, tested relatively recently (3-5yr ago)
hackingonempty 2y ago
I don't know why you're hearing a difference I'm just pointing out that there are many reasons why you could be hearing a difference that are not a specific effect of the codec itself. You're right I shouldn't be making crappy posts and will try better in the future.