I am always amazed as well. Amazed quite honestly at how awful most of the rooms sound. Most of the rooms are poster children for the need for proper room acoustic treatment. I know that is harsh, but I always get a kick out of the "Best Sound" awards ... of which the number seems to grow every year. How many "best" can you have?
Check out an audio show like Axpona or one of the other regional shows to see how other systems sound. I am always amazed when I go.