How do you know when a stereo sounds good?

when the music becomes so INVOLVING you forget about the equipment, get lost is the experience

Do you have a suite of measurements that removes all shadow of a doubt that you are getting good sound, sound that you enjoy? 

Yes.

+1 point each time I have to stop typing because the vocals demand my full attention

+1 point each time my foot involuntary taps the rhythm

+1 point goosebumps

+1 point all thoughts outside the music are ceased

-1 point each time I think "is VTA correct?"

+3 points when an album urges a segue (e.g. Listening now to Lowell George - "Can't Stand The Rain". The horns are hitting hard, begging me to grab my copy of Van Morrison - It's Too Late to Stop Now

-3 points each time my brain switches into "critical listening" mode, when I focus on descriptors like how deep is the soundstage vs. relaxing and focusing on the performers playing together

-5 points each time I think "what's on tv?"

@ted_denney even all that is more "measury" than I want to get. The more I want to do math and measure, that's evidence that I'm enjoying the music less. That's your job ;-)

Cheers,

Spencer

With this thread, the OP proves that there is indeed such a thing as a stupid question.