I’m running into issues with A/B Testing and maybe my receiver just wont support it (TSR-7850), but I think there could be some good discussion on this topic. I currently have my AVR with line out to a power amp (Mitsubishi DA-A10DC) that does have an A/B selector.
What I would like is to EQ each set with the same woofer and switch between the two. I’m working with some Allison CD-9 (Sensitivity 90dB) vs KEF LS50 Meta (85dB). I suppose I could have someone do the switching for me and adjust volume for each. I’m guessing I need a receiver that I can easily switch zones on and set each one up like for like.
Anyways, do you have a good process? For the record, I think I still like my Allison speakers better, might need to adjust some positions though.
I use a sound level meter to make sure they are close to the same.
I was going to run them both through Room EQ Wizard and my calibration mic to get a reading on that.
What do you play for the SPL meter to read the same? I can tell the Allison speakers are much louder. I need to find my cal mic for my phone so I can do a quick SPL reading. Would be nice to A/B them with EQ and volume adjustments so they are as close to end game as possible on each channel. I forget where I read it, but there was a study of how quickly you forget sound comparisons so it’s a good idea to be able to switch back and forth quickly. Might have been the same article that showed volume greatly impacted the impressions as well.
You might try noise C weighted at 83 dB: https://www.digido.com/portfolio-item/level-practices-part-2/
Rapid A/B is recommended. The best representation is when all is still in short term memory so loops of 4 to 6 seconds.
Volume matching is crucial as out hearing is not only a-linear but the amount varies with the SPL. It is known as the equal loudness contour or as the Fletcher-Munson curve in honor of the guys who discovered this in 1930. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-loudness_contour
I’ll check that link out. Thanks.