I have not read the article, but maybe they conducted their comparison testing in the bathroom. I came to find out years ago to plan my A/V gear upgrades with my house upgrades (moves) so I could improve the listening environment as well as my gear. I feel that the room is a piece of the system as is any other component. I try to keep all of mine matched. I did get to a point where I could just not tell the difference with higher quality components any longer. Fortunately I realized long ago I do not have great ears! I use high mid-range equipment like ADA Cinema Reference, Nautilus 801's, and Mark Levinson amps (not the reference). I think they are pretty well matched with my source components and accessories in the same range. Their certainly is alot better stuff out there, some of which I have auditioned. I just could not tell the difference. Maybe it's time for another room or house upgrade. Or maybe the medical profession could provide me with a hearing upgrade. Now that's an expensive A/V system upgrade. So, maybe that is their point or lack their of. A Bose system in the bathroom heard through a hearing aid is pretty darn good. Why spend more.
Any one want a laugh????
Check out "Rollingstone" magazine issue 881, November 8, 2001. Then go to page 110 and learn what we are all doing wrong with audio systems, it spells it out in plain English that we are all dumb and can get the same sound for $2000, just we don't know how to shop, lol. If audiophile are not the most anal retentive breed on the world I would be surprised, in particular when price is concerned! Maybe it is a good idea but not much more then an 'idea'. Check it out when you get a chance, sit back laugh and realize if you had only read this article years ago how much more money you would have.