I don't think "tone" is a particularly good word for describing an audio system; it is way too fuzzy in meaning as my abridged dictionary lists 10 separate definitions. The closest one simply suggests a good sound quality.
However, people misuse or inaccurately use words all the time on an endless range of subjects. Audio certainly isn't alone in this aspect.
Some other audio examples are the "pace," "rhythm" and "timing" of audio equipment as if the equipment has some learned talent in this area. It almost suggests that the proper system can improve the musical ability of a musician who has no rhythm or turn badly played music in to
a good performance.
But that is just a minor quibble on my part. I usually figure out what most writers meant even if their wording could have been a bit better. It is rarely worth it to get into a raging debate over semantics.
However, people misuse or inaccurately use words all the time on an endless range of subjects. Audio certainly isn't alone in this aspect.
Some other audio examples are the "pace," "rhythm" and "timing" of audio equipment as if the equipment has some learned talent in this area. It almost suggests that the proper system can improve the musical ability of a musician who has no rhythm or turn badly played music in to
a good performance.
But that is just a minor quibble on my part. I usually figure out what most writers meant even if their wording could have been a bit better. It is rarely worth it to get into a raging debate over semantics.