Is it too bright or is it high resolution?

I have heard very expensive systems (even with tube electronics) that made my ears bleed - plenty of resolution, but also an a-euphonious bite. This is with recorded music that I was familiar with and generally enjoyed listening to on other systems. If this is how the original engineer intended it to sound, then we disagree on what sounds good.

On the other hand, I have heard other systems both modestly priced and quite expensive that have rewarding levels of content and spatial details and speed, while providing a neutral window on the recording, meaning some recordings are on the warm side, some slightly distorted or over heated, some emphasize the treble, and some/many sound just right. The difference along this price spectrum is that you generally pay to get more detail, speed and clarity at volume. Listening room plays a bigger role in all this than we may want to admit. Just try to tell your partner you need $100,000 for your new hifi and another $50,000 to redo your listening room so it doesn't hurt their ears. They will tell you what is not-too-bright...

knownothing
I have heard very expensive systems (even with tube electronics) that made my ears bleed - plenty of resolution, but also an a-euphonious bite. This is with recorded music that I was familiar with and generally enjoyed listening to on other systems. If this is how the original engineer intended it to sound, then we disagree on what sounds good.

I agree reed and I'll actually go quite a bit further and say almost every system I've heard is way too distorted in treble especially but also everywhere else. And this is true even for mega buck systems. Time of day, weather, setup, mistakes in the system and simply being used to hearing the distortion all contribute to the sad state of affairs. And I don't even have to open the whole can of worms involving...you know.

Good point but can someone explain what accounts for distortion in the treble region on some systems?

Damaged drivers
bad connections
electronics...

I think the question might be a bit too broad.

No, not really. That’s much too, uh, mundane. What I’m talking about is the distortion that’s THERE even with top notch equipment set up properly with no mistakes and without overly severe room anomalies. I know what you’re thinking. "I don’t hear any distortion." That’s because you’re used to it. Trust me, it’s there. You won't realize it until it's gone. Well, at least reduced. 😬