It’s an interesting discussion. I had the opportunity to work as an assistant audio engineer in a well regarded performing arts center back in the mid 80s, as I put myself through grad school. I gained valuable experience from recording symphonies to doing sound reinforcement for all sorts of groups (including Alison Krauss!). What I learned is that there is no such thing as neutral. The room has a “sound” which can and should be tuned. Commercial audio speakers are unbelievably colored - and tuned in the room to remain that way by any audio engineer worth their salt or it sounds unnatural. Microphones are chosen for their sound. The mixing board has a sound. I had to be careful with mic cable length and path. Both analog and digital recorders have a sound.
This all goes to Erik’s point - by what you like as there is no such thing as neutral as even our live music benchmark is not neutral. Measurements in an anechoic chamber can only tell a designer so much.
Of course, This isn’t to suggest there is little value in moving up or to new toward a better component. I recently replaced my speakers. I hear a good deal more information through the new ones, despite them being far less tipped up in the treble. And, the music is presented more pleasingly.
My suspicion (can’t really be tested) is that if I were able to compare what I just purchased to a similar level 70s/80s/90s model from the same manufacturer (KEF in this case), I believe they would sound quite different, even if the measured frequency response suggested similarity. There are many reasons to suspect this, but I am likely to also be accused of drafting a too long post - so another time.
Summary: buy what you like, but there is merit in the pursuit of “better”. And, the companies making our gear are doing the same.
my $.02.
This all goes to Erik’s point - by what you like as there is no such thing as neutral as even our live music benchmark is not neutral. Measurements in an anechoic chamber can only tell a designer so much.
Of course, This isn’t to suggest there is little value in moving up or to new toward a better component. I recently replaced my speakers. I hear a good deal more information through the new ones, despite them being far less tipped up in the treble. And, the music is presented more pleasingly.
My suspicion (can’t really be tested) is that if I were able to compare what I just purchased to a similar level 70s/80s/90s model from the same manufacturer (KEF in this case), I believe they would sound quite different, even if the measured frequency response suggested similarity. There are many reasons to suspect this, but I am likely to also be accused of drafting a too long post - so another time.
Summary: buy what you like, but there is merit in the pursuit of “better”. And, the companies making our gear are doing the same.
my $.02.