Apples and oranges

Frogman,

I don’t in the least disagree with you.  
 A “rudimentary” system that is well put together certainly can rival more “advanced” systems in musical enjoyment. I’m speaking about variables that exist in a not so well put together system. Perhaps “rudimentary” is the wrong word.  
I can see where this can come off sounding elitist. What I’m saying simply is that we’re not always talking about the same thing.

Every system is in some manner different. Soundstaging, for example, In a more “refined” system is going to be a different thing than in a less defined system.
I know when I started out, I had no idea what was possible in that regard. I blithely assumed what I was hearing was the the way things were supposed to sound. I could not intelligently discuss the issue, because I did not know what was possible. My parameters were certainly different from those of more advanced audiophiles.

All I’m  really saying is that systems of varying levels sound different.  Each of us is hearing a differing thing. I guess you’re right when you say intelligent discussion can still take place.

Onhwy61 and newbee,

  Very interesting take.