...but don't just take my word for it.
The 12-eT Vs. JI survey.

Decide for yourself what tuning you prefer. I have compiled a poll for you to select your favourite. In each sub-section, you'll hear two versions. All you have to do is select which one you prefer. The two downloads will be shown to the right of each poll. Try and listen a few times to each one before making up your mind.

Each sample is in MP3 format (if anyone wants me to upload in WAV or AIFF, email me).
Firstly, before you visited this site, could you recognise the subtle difference between the sound of Just Intonation and Equal Temperament?
No
Yes
How discerning do you think your ear is? (in terms of minute differences in pitch - not music taste).
Excellent - I believe my ear to be very sharp
Good to Very Good
Average
Poor - I often can't easily tell if something sounds off-tune
Not too sure to be honest
Ripple options
I prefer version A
I prefer version A by a whisker
They're both about as good
I prefer version B by a whisker
I prefer version B
I hear no difference between the two
I think version A and B are about as good in different ways, so both are valid tunings
The Ripple test (vote to the left)
Download A 12-equal version
Download B Just Intonation version

What exactly will you be hearing?
The following upward ripple based on the pentatonic scale:
C, D, E, G, A, C, D, E, G, A......
The timbre of the waveform morphs between a 'ramp' and 'sine' wave. As you can see, I've specifically targeted the notes E & A, as I believe these are the most melodically off-tune in the Just Intonation version. But see what you think!
Triad options
I prefer version A
I prefer version A by a whisker
They're both about as good
I prefer version B by a whisker
I prefer version B
I hear no difference between the two
I think version A and B are about as good in different ways, so both are valid tunings
The Triad test (vote to the left)
Download Sample version A
Download Sample version B

What exactly will you be hearing?
This one's also a blind test. In each sample, you'll hear a Minor triad, followed by a Major triad. The timbre of the waveform is a pure 'ramp' wave - each with a slight vibrato (5.2 cents either way). This is mainly because without this tiny (sinusoidal) vibrato, the Just intervals (5/4 and 6/5) would sound too 'plain' thanks to lack of timbre 'phasing'. Basically, it takes the emphasis off the timbre, and concentrates on the raw pitch. Also, the wavelength (frequency) of vibrato is slightly different for each pitch in the triad, so as to limit the amount of constructive interference.
Harpsichord tune options
I prefer version A
I prefer version A by a whisker
They're both about as good
I prefer version B by a whisker
I prefer version B
I hear no difference between the two
I think version A and B are about as good in different ways, so both are valid tunings
The Harpsichord tune test (vote on left)
Download A 12 equal version
Download B Just Intonation version

What exactly will you be hearing?
It's sometimes said how the harpsichord is better tuned to JI. So I knocked up this tune in about an hour - made specially to compare JI and 12-eT :-)
Each mp3 file is just 254k each. To avoid key problems, most of the tune sticks to the home key (C), and only once modulates to the key of D. Again, try to listen to each version carefully before deciding which you prefer.

Additional comments
Anything you might want to add goes here.
Why and how were your preferred selections better than the alternatives?
How much can you 'trust' your ear?
Any comments on this site in general?




Or see results!

Also see people's individual comments!