How many great CDs do you have?

My interpertation of the term 'reference CD' would only encompass one that has outstanding sonic attributes AND and an outstanding performance. I would guess that I have a couple hundred at the most out of maybe 5000(+/-?).

Outstanding 'anything' is fairly uncommon I think. The rest, on balance, have more sonic issues than performance issues which doesn't deter me from thoroughly enjoying them.

Frankly I'd much rather "...chase the quest..." of fine music. I've always been more pressed to find involving music, music that commands attention. Audio has always been, although at times it has not seemed so (as in the past 4 years or so), of secondary interest. An interest which pales quickly, as it presently has. I actually find that concerns over audio reproduction distracts from the listening (to the content of the music/performance) experience as much as anything.

FWIW neither great recordings, nor great audio systems, float my boat. Good recordings heard over good audio systems of great music does though...........I'm probably in the wrong forum:-)