How much reality do you really need?

Excellent post, realworldaudio; I couldn’t agree more. 

**** I find that _most_ current ultra-high end gear focuses too much on the enhanced resolution aspect, creating an illusionary sonic envelope that feels very much real, but also quite a bit different from the original source. It traps you in the superficiality, and shuts down the imagination, which is the exact opposite of what a live performance does. ****

What do you mean by real in this scenario you've set up? What are you trying to match? If you're asking can anyone reproduce the experience of a live full orchestra presentation in say Carnegie Hall  with their home stereo, no. If you're asking can a reproduction of a Jazz quartet in a venue of 75 people be done with their home stereo, no. It's not possible to capture the sound field as you hear it, can't be done with two channel . You can get closer with an immersive system but still no cigar.

Get real. My only ultimate goal is to enjoy music.
Reality blah blah blah.

The important thing is when you become happy with your system there is a time when that will happen and when it does the upgrades cease and you just listen for pleasure rather than worrying about how the system sounds if you are always worried about the sound you will drive yourself nuts.

I think I"m with Mapman--enough to hold my attention.  

Musicality is key for me. Sometimes reality is not in keeping with enjoyment. Usual it is though.