A reference system is a combination of components that provides a standard or baseline for comparison for determining the sound quality of a new component that is introduced into the system. While some believe that the definition of a reference system includes subjectively the “best; most resolving; most neutral; most expensive” components, this does not necessarily fit with the idea of establishing a standard or baseline for the comparison of other components. In addition, some believe that a reference system includes subjectively a system that reproduces sound most like acoustic, live performances. While admittedly this is one of my goals for my system, personal preference and subjective interpretation does not enter into establishing a reference system. If you survey the systems of some authors in the trade rags, some have the most resolving or most expensive reference systems but others do not. So, a reference system is basically your system if you have established a perception , goal, standard or ideal of how you believe recorded and reproduced music should sound, and have developed excellent listening skills that permit you to understand how your system sounds in comparison. Then, you can introduce new components and compare the change to your reference.
What is a "reference" system?
OK, most of us have an audio system, mine even works some of the time. But I see that some members have "reference" systems. This has to be better than the assorted junk that I have piled together. Probably a lot better than your rig as well.
But really, what distinguishes these folks "reference" systems from the pedestrian systems that the rest of us have? There must be something, or they could just save the keyboard time and drop the word when discussing their gear. And I am not referring to reviewers, that is a different story and one to examine more carefully in the future.