I do not currently have audiophile friends. Albert Porter was nice enough to have me at his home while I was still in college. He had Soundlabs at the time, but I was most struck by the sound of his Walker turntable over SACD, which was the thing then. The sound was enormous, extending beyond the walls one some recordings, and crystal clear with a touch of body and warmth. Very well balanced.
I have heard Soundlabs since. While they are amongst the best, they have obvious limitations. All systems do. To that end I think nirvana can be obtained by most who put in the effort as beauty is in the eye of the beholder type thing.