Folks, thanks for taking the time to respond. However, no one really answered the question. Except, perhaps, "cbozdog" but in a hypothetical way.
The experience that I referred to in the OP just has me curious for input from others that have "experienced" the same or similar results / situations. Per my final sentence,
"And my question is "What did you do?" "
As a sidebar issue as part of the items I have on loan are some desktop computer speakers for my desktop computer system. When I A/B/A, it is immediately apparent that there is a difference/improvement. However, after an extended listening I start thinking that the difference is not that great. But as soon as I activate the current speakers I'm immediately reminded that there is a difference between them and the loaner speakers. As I said just an interesting sidebar issue for me as I spend time with these loaner items.