Musician vs. audiophile

As a retired classical pianist and audiophile, what I look for is a natural presentation.
I am not obsessive to the point I must have the most expensive, or best of the best equipment. The audiophile in me wants to obsess over the sound, but the musician in me simply wants to sit down and have an experience of the music that closely resembles what I have heard in live situations.
I think audiophiles look for different parameters than musicians do: Agonizing over parameters that musicians don’t care about.
A musician realizes there is no “one” sound of a performance. Yes, bass may not be “tight” in certain venues.  Similarly, “highs” may be compromised. There is no holy grail of one “perfect” sound.  So, if a recording is not ideal by audiophile standards, a musician may accept it because it better transmits the musical message, even if it’s not acceptable  by audiophile standards.

+1 Russbutton

Your “sizzle” remark is right on the mark. I would add that most high end sells sizzle too. Choosing the goldilocks sound (neutral overall - not too hot and not too cold) requires discipline and careful selection through audition of many tracks. B&W and others sell based on sizzle.

Imo, the correct solution; time for a hybrid speaker system. Consider a hybrid horn along the lines of the PureAudioProject Trio15 Horn 1 (reviewed). You will not find agreement on sound between the dynamic and panel sound, likely�. A hybrid can get you there. It's not a matter of sound quality�, but technology employed. It has not so much to do with the subs, amps, etc. YMMV

The entire system can be taken up several levels of sound quality, if you wish to pursue it. If you approach this with the correct perspective, you can achieve far more satisfaction for both of you. 

Odd that the OP has not chimed in again at all
What started out as a fairly interesting technical thread with some great posts seems to have devolved into more one of semantics and opinions, not that there is anything wrong with that of course.
OP may be genuinely busy as it that time of year.
Does remind me though of throwing a bone out and letting the dogs fight over it.........