so many speakers

"Surely there's a consensus that there are audible differences among speakers!"

Yes, there can be differences. But, I think there are fewer differences than we might think. If we could really test them, we would find that there are 'groups' of speakers that are sonically the same. In other words, my Polks could end up in the same group as the Wilson Maxx. :)

So, of ALL the speakers on the market, we could end up with just a few different groups. Some people think, believe it or not, that speakers are the ONLY component that exhibit differences. :)
Cheers.

Do you want to listen to your hi-fi or listen to the music?

When you have decided which it is, then we can move on.

Snarky! The key thing is always how your gear makes you feel when you're doing some active listening. If you feel there is something needing improvement you'll stop listening to the music...I once had to swap some otherwise well regarded cables IMMEDIATELY because they were harshing my mellow. If you want to listen to music and not your hifi, you should hire musicians. Since that's not always practical (and they might steal your beer), you have to use gear that appeals to YOU...you are utterly alone in this. Reviews, although often entertaining, can't tell you how anything sounds to you, in your home, in front of your head. If things sound good together in a system, you're there! And lucky.

In other words, my Polks could end up in the same group as the Wilson Maxx. :)

So, of ALL the speakers on the market, we could end up with just a few different groups. Some people think, believe it or not, that speakers are the ONLY component that exhibit differences. :)

Wrong! And on so many levels......

Shakey

"Wrong! And on so many levels"

See! We can't even get agreement on the fact that my Polks are the equal of the Wilson Maxx. If we can't get agreement on something this obvious, what chance is there of coming to agreement on more contentious questions! This gentleman made my point.
Cheers