the quest for the best--within limits


many threads appear on these forums of the following type:

what is the best (fill in component type) that costs less than (fill in the price point) ?

i am curious as to why there are so many threads of this type, when, i suspect, the originator of the thread probably realizes that there is no definitive answer to such a question.
mrtennis
I think people re-ask old questions because it is easier to get personal value out of answers if it is part of a dialogue. I can re-ask an old question, get the same old answers, but then respond with follow-up questions specific to my situation. It's also possible that re-asking a question is helpful in order to get a more recent perspective... maybe technology, gear, research, or other elements have changed.
Some are looking for confirmation (validation) for a component they've already identified as a potential purchase.
when a discipline is subjectively based, e.g., art, music, literature and cuisine.

there are many algorithms that are implicitly used to evaluate what is experienced.

thus, having different standards for judging, makes it impossible to determine what is best.

further , sense perception is unreliable and varies from listener to listener, making the concept of what is best a useless exercise.

what is usually substituted for best is sentiment what someone likes most is usually what a person connotes by the term "best".
the first thing i thought of when i saw this thread is wondering WHAT IS THE BEST COMPONENT YOU HAVE HEARD REGARDLESS OF PRICE and THEN-what would come closest to that ideal level of performance for a more reasonable price (an item with less features or more basic cosmetics for example). If you've been in a similar situation or have similar components to the questioner i feel some obligation to offer some advice. we all live in different cities and have had different exposures to live demonstrations as well. SO why not help out someone who sounds like they are SERIOUS about getting something you have spent some time with? if they are not doing serious research then fine, let it go where it belongs- into the "who cares?" trash bin. i am always looking out for threads where i can actually learn something new having only limited exposure myself.
people who go to audio shows or live in NYC (for ex.) could really do us all a big favor
and share their experiences. It's no wonder when you google for answers Audiogon Forums come up again and again. so is this where you come for authoritative answers?