The general concensus is that feedback lowers distortion
which should mean the sound is better,
Not just distortion but also improves output impedance. Meaning the amplifier is less controlled by the speaker.
but based on
listening, no overall feedback amplifier usually sounds
better.
Not universally accepted, like by me for instance, who does not particularly like Pass amps at all. I'll take much less expensive Parasound over Pass any day of the week. They are more conventionally designed.
Many amps use local feedack instead of global and then even sparingly. Below 0.5% of distortion, it is a wide open playground.
Although I don't have any data, but to some extends, the
same thing happens in low order filter speakers vs. higher
order filter speakers. Low order filter speakers tend
to sound more musical vs. higher order speakers although
higher order filter sounds are clearer.
You are going to have to give specific examples. I don't find this to be true. I prefer Joseph Audio over Thiel and Vandersteen for instance.
Best,
Erik