Well folks, the one thing we can be sure of is that we all perceive sound differently and thus the wide range of tastes expressed in this thread. Hey, this is why there are so many manufacturers in audio. Although my current speakers (Vandersteen Treo CT with two 2wq subs.) is the sound for me they certainly would not sound optimum to many of you regardless of whether they employ new or old tech.
One absolute in my experience...I ALWAYS learn something about my own set-up after listening to someone else's system. The experience may simply confirm what I thought of my rig or provoke me to investigate what I might do to hear a specific sonic aspect that I just heard elsewhere.
After all, it's not just about the gear it's about how we set it up and tweak it to sound the most musical to us.
One absolute in my experience...I ALWAYS learn something about my own set-up after listening to someone else's system. The experience may simply confirm what I thought of my rig or provoke me to investigate what I might do to hear a specific sonic aspect that I just heard elsewhere.
After all, it's not just about the gear it's about how we set it up and tweak it to sound the most musical to us.