For the vast majority of recordings (95%)-
DOES:
Sound life like, provides realism
Has exciting dynamics, attack and quickness
Can turn it up when you want to and still sound good
Spacious, 3-dimensional sound stage
Clearly separates the musical elements and performers
Sounds clean and smooth
Provides bass punch and feel
Makes you smile and enjoy the music
DOES NOT
Have noticeable peaks or hot spot notes in any frequency range
Frequently sound like you want to turn it down lower than you would prefer
Sound dull or mushy, lifeless
Sound harsh or edgy
Sound thin
Sound distorted
Make you avoid certain recordings because they do not sound good
Make you cringe