Often measurements are inversely proportional to sound quality. Great measurements can be achieved by usage of deep negative feedback, that will introduce unpleasant TIM distortions, that we don't even measure. TIM distortions were unknown until 70's. Do we know everything today? Shall we allow some TIM distortions to dramatically reduce THD and IMD?
THD stands for "Total Harmonic Distortions". What if "Total" is the same, but made of different sets of harmonics? Do we know which "set" sounds better. Some people like euphonic harmonics and without them gear might sound clinical/analytic. Warm sounding even harmonics can be wonderful with voice or guitar but might sound horrible with the piano recordings.
Everything at the end always comes to "How does it sound to you?"
THD stands for "Total Harmonic Distortions". What if "Total" is the same, but made of different sets of harmonics? Do we know which "set" sounds better. Some people like euphonic harmonics and without them gear might sound clinical/analytic. Warm sounding even harmonics can be wonderful with voice or guitar but might sound horrible with the piano recordings.
Everything at the end always comes to "How does it sound to you?"