How much reality do you really need?

“Reality is overrated”, “There is no reality”, “Everything is an illusion”,
”A good system gets you halfway there”.
Obviously, any electronic recreation of reality can be an artistic picture of reality. Nothing more.
High End Audio is technically based but it is really an art.
There is an art in building a component as well as building a system.
Like a conductor playing an orchestra, the audiophile plays the system. All elements working together to create an electronic, symphonic presentation of reality.

noun

1. 1. the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

A definition of Art.
”appreciated primarily for their beauty and emotional power”
Does this not define the enjoyment of our electronic recreation of music? Reality is not at issue. Appreciation is.

dweller - This is usually the case. I know that each improvement in my system brings more appreciation and enjoyment. The upgrade process seems never ending and many who put more and more into their systems not only experience diminishing returns but find that their "improvement", at times, spoils the sound and the experience.
But, mostly, one never imagines that the SQ can be better until they hear the effect of their upgrade. And, IME, price usually can be paralleled with quality.

The performances jump out of the groves with my new cartridge today. Does it sound real?
No, it will always be an electronic recreation.
Do I care? NO