It's no surprise to me either.
Don't Apple still use their own proprietary 'mastered for iTunes' for their music?
It might explain the preference.
As you say, the fun never stops when you're an audiophile.
Especially amongst like minded friends.
It's almost a definition of happiness.
How about a 21st century remake of Guys and Dolls with a bunch of fellows trying to organise an illicit hush hush sound comparison test?