A man and woman are sitting at opposite ends of a park bench.  So as not to scare off the woman each time he moves the man closes just half the distance.  The mathematician says, “alas, he will never reach his goal because of his asymptotic” plan.”  The pragmatist refutes the mathematician saying that the man can certainly get close enough for all practical purposes.
Point is, stereo systems can get close enough to sounding like being there for all practical purposes- and in many cases better than being there.
btw- I have the best sounding stereo in my neighborhood.  But then not one neighbor even cares…
