Speakers: all-time worst

The truth of the matter is nothing can duplicate an actuality (be it instruments/voice), simply because a duplicate CAN NOT BE the actuality. There is absolutely NO way you can actually recreate the acoustics of Boston Symphony Hall or any other space in your living room no matter what you do or have. Want to hear the "space" of Boston Symphony Hall, then you must BE IN THAT SPACE. Realise that a sound system is a reproducer and a reproduction is not the actual thing. You may enjoy what you hear more keeping this in mind.

Yes this is true. That does not change the fact that speakers sound different (better/worse) than other speakers and that there still can be a "worst" list even though none of the speaker re-create Boston Symphony Hall.

Bose is the anti-christ of the audio world.

Over the past several months I've spent a lot of time, research, and money upgrading my system. During this time, it was typical that the subject of audio would come up in conversation with friends and aquaintances. Well, one day I was invited to a friend's house to hear the speakers he was so proud of. They were Bose 901's. I was astonished. I was speechless. They sounded like a bunch of 'transistor radio' 2" drivers, NO, no, they sounded like a bunch of old telephone earpiece drivers mounted in a very resonant wooden box. Upon closer inspection, I realized why they sounded that way... Now I'm faced with a serious problem. I wound up buying some very nice stuff, sounds great. But I fear for my friend. He's in his mid to late 40's, he loves his speakers, and has had them for a decade or so. What should I do? Upon hearing my system, he may all of a sudden realize that the past ten years of his life were wasted, as if he was living a lie, a bad dream. It could be too much of a shock to bear.

Jay@viaccess.net, would you deny your friend a glass of fine French red wine, even though he has enjoyed Thunderbird all his life? Just don't be surprised if he does not respond in a positive way. My audio group once had a budding audiophile that visited for the listening sessions, week after week. We assumed he was finally "getting it." I offered to get him a top of the line phono cartridge at a super deal to replace his antique Pickering (or whatever it was). His response was, "NO, I cannot do that, my records are used to this cartridge." Perhaps his automobile is used to tires with no tread as well?