@kenjit, you’re all over the map, which is fine, that’s the nature of subjectivity, it’s all over the map.
Listening preferences are subjective; so what, the world owes you a living? You want to find the perfect system for you, it’s up to you to pursue it. Not the dealers, not the manufactures, not the audio journalists, efficacy is your responsibility.
@kenjit, "audiophiles are trapped in a cycle of never ending upgrades and dissatisfaction no matter how much is spent". I’m afraid that’s what’s known as the disease. Haven’t you heard the expression "Reference System"? An audio journalist will often catalogue the equipment being used as reference system right in the article. (NOTE: it’s reference system, NOT, perfect system). The disease is the pursuit of the perfect system, the fountain of youth, the holly grail, it doesn’t exist ..... and for no other reason look at the variations in recording quality.
The human ear is not an exact electronic measuring device, it just knows what it likes.
A system is like a relationship, and you have to live with your choices, in the same environment. So does it make sense in part, to build your system around the room your going to be listening in .... of course. Optimize that room.
Go to an audio trade show and trust your ears. If you hear magic in one of the display rooms you have a good r e f e r e n c e.
Talk to yourself, ask how will this gear work in my room? You’ll have to have a pretty good idea, (That’ll require experience).
Now you have to build that relationship, eventually you have to make a decision. Like a good person they’re virtues far, far out weight they’re flaws, but they’re not perfect. And if you choose well you can grow to love those tiny imperfection as that is what adds to defining the over all character. NOTE: How many relationships fall apart after 10-15 years of living together? Why should your Hi-Fi be any different?
@kenjit, "the notion of a high end speaker is in fact a myth". "We have been deceived into believing that a "one size fits all speaker". Where do you get this stuff from? These statements are so far out of context they’re a hyperbole.
The notion of a perfect speaker is a myth, a high end speaker isn’t.
"One size fits all speaker". If that’s the case how do you explain the difference between a ProAc D2 and a Sound Lab A1, or, a Klipsch Horn and a 3.6 Thiel? Totally different configurations, sizes, loads, theories and sound.
Live in the solution, not the problem.