The myth of "best" in audio needs to be addressed by all of us


After spending a year and half deeply immersed in audiophilia (with so much enjoyable benefit), I've identified my tendency (seemingly share by many) to chase the fantasy of "best" in this perfectionistic hobby/pursuit.  It leads to obsessiveness, second-guessing, acrimony between audio tribes, and personal insecurity when reading these forums and all the reviews.  

But, thinking about it, how could there ever be a "best" component, cable, or speaker for listening to music.  This is a subjective experience!!! 

From a purely measurement/engineering perspective -- "best" could mean a lot of things (but they don't automatically mean more enjoyable sonics). 

In listening and enjoying music, there is no "best" -- only "favorite".  And even "favorite" can change -- it certainly has for me.  I've gone back and forth multiple times on all sorts of gear preferences. You can like what you like, you don't have to defend it, and nobody should mess with it!

Anybody else want to fight the harmful myth of "best" in audio?
redwoodaudio
I can think of one counter-example to my above screeds. The AM/FM tuner. There has to be a "best" in terms of picking up radio frequencies with most clarity, precision, and sensitivity. All measurable and I arguable, I'd imagine. Other parts of the audio chain, I don't think the same applies. 
FM tuners ?....nope....MR-85 measures better than my 1965 Mac in every parameter you mention, except sound quality.... You will get a host of arguments on FM tuners.... There are probably ten that have achieved cult best status...Dynalab, Sequerra, Mac, Schotz, Tandberg.....I could go on...
redwood & Tomic;
FM tuners. How amazing was FM so early on? Yep, we learned long ago that good measurements aren't necessarily predictors of the best sound.

A friend recently mentioned he still has his Magnum Dynalab - hoping to hear it soon.
it’s OK....mine gets some use still listening Sunday nights to KING FM in Seattle to the Compline Choir ( last of the monastic offices of the week )....you can stream this.
In Tacoma we also have All Blues w John Kessler on KNKX ( was KPLU )

yes, I miss quality FM....