hi detlf:
there are two issues. objective quality, which you so aptly stated should be dependent upon how closely the performance of a stereo system approaches live music.
there is also subjective quality, which is basically opinion based upon preference.
as in any aesthetic endeavor, a consumer may select from competing products and end up with some level of inaccuarcy to the real thing and some degree of pleasure with the sound of his/her stereo system.
i wise designer of phono stages suggested to me that if a stereo system does not pass the foot-tapping test, it doesn't matter how close to reality it sounds, as its owner will eventually tire of it and replace components.
my point is that it is difficult to remove the purely subjective element from the process of evaluating stereo systems.
in the end each of us , hopefully, will enjoy listening to music and probably be less concerned with its accuracy, or lack thereof.
there are two issues. objective quality, which you so aptly stated should be dependent upon how closely the performance of a stereo system approaches live music.
there is also subjective quality, which is basically opinion based upon preference.
as in any aesthetic endeavor, a consumer may select from competing products and end up with some level of inaccuarcy to the real thing and some degree of pleasure with the sound of his/her stereo system.
i wise designer of phono stages suggested to me that if a stereo system does not pass the foot-tapping test, it doesn't matter how close to reality it sounds, as its owner will eventually tire of it and replace components.
my point is that it is difficult to remove the purely subjective element from the process of evaluating stereo systems.
in the end each of us , hopefully, will enjoy listening to music and probably be less concerned with its accuracy, or lack thereof.