How do you know when a stereo sounds good?

@elliottbnewcombjr ,

"when the music becomes so INVOLVING you forget about the equipment, get lost is the experience"

The same for me.

It's a similar experience as watching an involving film or reading a gripping novel.

All of which require a willing suspension of disbelief.

The exact point at which this occurs will, naturally enough, vary from recording to recording, system to system, and individual mood to individual mood as anyone familiar with the Edison tone tests of the 1920s will appreciate.

https://phonographia.com/Factola/Edison%20Tone%20Tests.htm

You first have to know what a good system sounds like. You do that by auditioning the very top performing loudspeakers and equipment. Find the sound you like, then move down the product line until you can afford the product and still gives you a taste of the best systems. 

[@ted_denny] How do you know when a stereo sounds good?

...when I don’t find myself hunting for certain quality tracks of music to try and make it sound better. When its really good, I can listen to just about any song, track, or version of a recording with no desire to jump around to another track. Simply listening to whatever song comes up next is a sign. That’s when I know it sounds good.  

I just don't get up, I have to get up and run for what ever I need. I don't want to pause it, or flip it, or change it, I just want to set there and listen.. As time goes on you just can't keep your eyes open.. THAT'S A GOOD pizza pie....

Regards

In the beginning (1970's) I listened for tone. I was playing in band- not "a band", High School band, trumpets, French horn, flute, etc- and was listening for that sound. 

Later on, 90's, I was reading and had the usual audiophile checklist of sonic attributes to listen for, with of course my collection of reference recordings to evaluate the list.

Until one day auditioning a McCormack DNA amp I realized I had forgotten all about the list, and was instead just sitting there tapping my foot, big ol' grin on my face. Aha! 

From then on I listen for involvement. Ideally, catharsis. 

I know a system sounds good when I get caught up in the music, swept away, and lose track of everything else.