the meaning of the word "better"

"Better" can be one of two things, depending on the system-builder's goal:

Better is a component that makes (lets) a sound system sound more pleasing to that person; without a specific reference in mind, other than that person's sonic preferences. Or:

Better is a component that makes (lets) a sound system sound more like what live music sounds like. Familiarity with the sound of the real thing makes it possible to have this be a useful reference, in spite of all the variables.

Frogman, I coudn't have said it better, great response.

gentlemen:

thank you for the connotations of the word "better".

unfortunately, because of the two "concepts, i.e., better as closer to lack of coloration, and better as to preferred, when the word is used in a sentence without qualification, its meaning is unknown.

02-15-12: Rok2id
Of course on a macro level, everything is probably better than components were decades ago.

The re-sale prices of many pieces of vintage gear would seem to contradict that statement.

Frogman, that is a good description, but one must always remember to weigh time in with that equation. Many times I have felt that something sounded "better" according to your definitions, only to realize 6 months or a year later that it was simply different (better in some areas, weaker in other areas) and not really better overall. You have to account for the "new component euphoria" phenomena. Too many times folks listen for 2 hours and expound on the virtues of a new toy. We all find a piece of gears "faults" over time.

"The re-sale prices of many pieces of vintage gear would seem to contradict that statement."

I get your point. I would agree that vintage gear was built more substantially. Built to last. This was pre the (I have to change amps every week) era. Designed by the greats. And all of that gives vintage equipment value. But I would also say that in the current era, things are put together rather sloppily, assembled by low paid unskilled labor, mass produced and even sold in big box stores.(gasp!) A lot of the appeal of pride in ownership and pride in the manufacturing process is lost. HOWEVER, this technical age is proving that the nature of the technology allows shoddy, cheap, plastic stuff to outperform the vintage, almost hand built stuff. Cameras and cars are two other good examples of this. Computers and automation killed the craftsman's factor. The up side is, it's all great bang for the buck.

Let me hastily add, IMO, otherwise someone will think it's fact, and attack.
Peace.