I was being literal. Observations without controls aren’t observations in the way that you inferred, and are equivalent to saying nothing in this context.
Further, a rigorous scientific process doesn’t involve deducing a position from empirical data. Observations are followed by a conjecture, but the standing of what follows scientifically is judged on how modifiable that explanation is with reference to empirical data and established theory. The more variable the conjecture, the more compromised its is as an explanation. You say your empirical data (produced without controls) amounts to a preference for the sound of the phono stage. I say that a wizard put a spell on you to make you believe that you like the sound of your phono stage, but in reality you hate it. At this point my explanation for what your data says is a good as yours.
Edit- I’m not being obtuse BTW