Conceptually, it's hard to argue with Atmasphere. As a practical matter, I completely disagree with his point. At a given budget, I'd almost certainly choose different speakers were my listening preference 100% chamber music as opposed to 100% Van Halen.
In the former case, even at Unlimited budget, I might choose a great 'stat, like SoundLab. In the latter case, I'd be more inclined towards something like the MBL 101. The speakers have different strengths and the different program materials play to/away from those strengths.
I don't need the last word in timbal accuracy, inner detail, octave to octave balance, etc to maximally enjoy Van Halen - I need huge dynamic range, bass impact, and the illusion of 3D space - that guitar needs to be palpable. The 101s deliver that in a way the SoundLabs don't - at least in my experience with auditioning both. The MBLs have a few issues that make me pause, but they are KILLER choices if your only need is the illusion of a rock band in your listening room.
Not only is no speaker (IMO) perfect, but speakers that are really SOTA in one particular area do two things -
1). They tend to point out that other very good speakers come up short in (at least) the narrow area that the standard excels in.
2). They tend to have one (or more) weaknesses that become evident when A-B tested vs the best competition.
There's no perfect speaker. Some are more versatile than others, with no meaningful flaws but no SOTA areas, either. Others make a different trade-off, kill it in one or two areas, but live with flaws on other fronts.
My my own listening habits are Catholic enough that I'd probably spend my money on an all-around performer. However, were my tastes really narrow (as implied by the OP) I'd make my decision in a different way.
In the former case, even at Unlimited budget, I might choose a great 'stat, like SoundLab. In the latter case, I'd be more inclined towards something like the MBL 101. The speakers have different strengths and the different program materials play to/away from those strengths.
I don't need the last word in timbal accuracy, inner detail, octave to octave balance, etc to maximally enjoy Van Halen - I need huge dynamic range, bass impact, and the illusion of 3D space - that guitar needs to be palpable. The 101s deliver that in a way the SoundLabs don't - at least in my experience with auditioning both. The MBLs have a few issues that make me pause, but they are KILLER choices if your only need is the illusion of a rock band in your listening room.
Not only is no speaker (IMO) perfect, but speakers that are really SOTA in one particular area do two things -
1). They tend to point out that other very good speakers come up short in (at least) the narrow area that the standard excels in.
2). They tend to have one (or more) weaknesses that become evident when A-B tested vs the best competition.
There's no perfect speaker. Some are more versatile than others, with no meaningful flaws but no SOTA areas, either. Others make a different trade-off, kill it in one or two areas, but live with flaws on other fronts.
My my own listening habits are Catholic enough that I'd probably spend my money on an all-around performer. However, were my tastes really narrow (as implied by the OP) I'd make my decision in a different way.