the quest for the best--within limits

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".

Fellow enthusiasts, just say no to using 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?

ok fremch fries, i will take your gambit.

i like quad esls because, i find that within a certain frequency range, they sound closer to a real instrument than any other speaker. yes they have limitations--they are bass deficient and it is not advisable to exceed certain spl levels. some say they are not sufficiently extended. i don't agree , but i respect the criticism.

i have a favorite amp, namely the conrad johnson mv125. i find its richness and never sounding unpleasant, make it an amplifier suitable for most speakers. it too can be critiqued. it has the classic tube sound, which some do not like.

my ravorite preamp is the mcintosh c22. agin, a component not in production.

these three components have in common a vary personal taste. i would not say that either component is the best . all i can do is try to accurately describe why i favor them and say something about their "sound".

so i agree, that "best" is a term that should not be used.

instead, just say "favorite", or "i like very much".

i would not advise anyone to pursue the components.

i respect differences in taste and i think there are many "great" stereo systems that come in different "flavors".

as i live in the ny area and have gone to many shows, including ces, i am willing to expound on what i have heard, so long as my comments reflect my taste and perception.