Critical oppositions made using inadequate equipment.

"Maybe even wrong understanding."   The biggest  issue I see with the out spoken people is there lack of experience  with live real music.  They always fall back on detail and pump up highs.  They use the terms  air around instrument , black background,  neutral,   sound stage,  etc etc ...  In all the posts did anyone ask you what your goal is.  What are you looking for.  What is your  musical  background.?  What music do you listen to?  Etc Etc ...  

Is the tone, body, timbre, pitch of acoustical  instruments important  to you?  Is the attack and decay of interest.  How loud and what size room do want to fill with music.  Do you want to feel like  you are at a rock concert,  classical  auditorium,   Or a  small jazz club with out big ass studio monitors  to mess things up.    

In regards to real music the mid range is where at least 80% of the action is.  Studio monitors  can be the best here.  Rodgers and Spendor 3/5  monitors  are superb.   Of course Quads and some planar are great mid range speakers also.  

So to your original question,  it would be hard to answer not knowing what you like and want from music.  If detail is your thing  there is plenty  of solid state amps and speakers to let you hear changes in carts and table arm combos.  If going for the Holy Gail  of real Live music , where vinyl  is King ,  things get more complicated.   Here I would go down the tube stuff ave which would cost more but really sounds like the real deal.  The hardest  part is knowing the weak component is with out knowing your goals.  If you are truthly looking for a answer  for your journey  then I would define your goals  then get the speakers  to get you close , then amps that can make them sing.  Then fine tune them with table/arm/ cartridge. 

Enjoy the ride
Tom

So we are back to  what do you want from your  music.  There is no one size fits all speaker.  If I wanted  to light up a big room with  rock and roll,  quads and book shelf  speakers are not where  I would start.  

You sound like bass is a big  deal for you.  Here is a test for you.  Go to what ever venue  you hear the big bass you like.  Then close your eyes listen to just the bass.  It just might change  mind about how tight it really is.  If  classical is your thing  what instrument  can  create loud tight bass?

Of course if real is not your thing then create the system  that  makes you happy.  

Enjoy the ride
Tom

The Tubes priceless!!!  White punks on dope!!!  Thinking Quads might not be the best choice for this album.

Enjoy the ride
Tom

PS

Monty Phahon may think a nice shrubbery is the meaning of life.  

Maybe  the OP  can tell us about plants.  I am still confused on what is non relevant equipment.   And his goals and the moral of the story etc...  The only thing I can conclude from the facts presented  in evidence is he and his friend like a different  sound.  What those sounds are are still un known even in verbiage.  

So grasshopper what is the moral of story???  Maybe the OP thinks he has better ears than his friend.   Of course we do not know what he likes or his abilities.  Even in simple business strategy  you need a objective so you can come up with strategies to reach it.  

Yes I A realize the Zen master would be disappointed,  I  tried to inject a little logic in this discussion , but  I was in the mood.  

Enjoy the ride
Tom