I find the definition of "progress" as presented above to be typical of the way that "progressives" often justify a stance. The definition, as presented above, is conveniently incomplete. Here is the complete definition:
++++n
1. Movement, as toward a goal; advance.
2. Development or growth: students who show progress.
3. Steady improvement, as of a society or civilization: a believer in human progress. See Synonyms at development.
4. A ceremonial journey made by a sovereign through his or her realm.
intr.v. pro·gress (pr-grs) pro·gressed, pro·gress·ing, pro·gress·es
1. To advance; proceed: Work on the new building progressed at a rapid rate.
2. To advance toward a higher or better stage; improve steadily: as medical technology progresses.
3. To increase in scope or severity, as a disease taking an unfavorable course.++++
Notice two key aspects of the complete definition that were omitted:
++++Steady improvement++++
++++To advance toward a higher or better stage; improve steadily++++
I realize that "better" can be considered to be subjective, but then we return to the issue of standards; a good thing.
No one (not I, anyway) is looking for acquiescence re what is good music or what sounds good. Everyone is free to like what they like ((Duh!), these discussions are a great way to share ideas, and serve to minimize complacency and hopefully inspire others to rethink their viewpoints.
****For me, the gear makes it possible to get lost in music and if it's great music, all the better.****
I find it interesting that the music should be presented as taking the back seat to the gear. Good sound is great and it can be a lot of fun to enjoy it simply for the sake of good sound. If that is one's goal, that's great. But, personally, I would be much more inclined to consider someone's viewpoints on the music if the music is always in the front seat.
++++n
1. Movement, as toward a goal; advance.
2. Development or growth: students who show progress.
3. Steady improvement, as of a society or civilization: a believer in human progress. See Synonyms at development.
4. A ceremonial journey made by a sovereign through his or her realm.
intr.v. pro·gress (pr-grs) pro·gressed, pro·gress·ing, pro·gress·es
1. To advance; proceed: Work on the new building progressed at a rapid rate.
2. To advance toward a higher or better stage; improve steadily: as medical technology progresses.
3. To increase in scope or severity, as a disease taking an unfavorable course.++++
Notice two key aspects of the complete definition that were omitted:
++++Steady improvement++++
++++To advance toward a higher or better stage; improve steadily++++
I realize that "better" can be considered to be subjective, but then we return to the issue of standards; a good thing.
No one (not I, anyway) is looking for acquiescence re what is good music or what sounds good. Everyone is free to like what they like ((Duh!), these discussions are a great way to share ideas, and serve to minimize complacency and hopefully inspire others to rethink their viewpoints.
****For me, the gear makes it possible to get lost in music and if it's great music, all the better.****
I find it interesting that the music should be presented as taking the back seat to the gear. Good sound is great and it can be a lot of fun to enjoy it simply for the sake of good sound. If that is one's goal, that's great. But, personally, I would be much more inclined to consider someone's viewpoints on the music if the music is always in the front seat.