Does Technology Trump Quality?

I hadnt done any serious listening for awhile.5.1? gotta be better then 2.1.Technology is changing so fast.went and got the newest.Then my vios tech when high speed came to the neighbor hood told me about audio-gon.Quality is always a given. But the path for the signal is virtually the same.open any cd units and there is not much difference in the parts.No mystery's.A pair of Kg4s with supra speaker cables with axiom passive pre.put a end to that question. expensive & never ending pull. so the answer is You can have both.having the crossover fixed.have a pair of Manchester(???)that look like a barn find,but when listening to "BE THERE"(usher demo cd)WOW Incredible sound from these speakers.Let your ears be the judge if the new technology means squat.Good luck

For most mortals, I recommend the best (quality) speakers. Money constraints need to be considered (for most mortals).
I am finally "there" although I know that my speakers/system don't do everything well, that is, reproduce every genre/recording as if the performers are in my room breathing and living and playing and singing. But, with most of the LPs and CDs I spin, I get tremendous enjoyment and the passion for our wonderful hobby endures. That's the "quality" I am after and what I recommend to all aspiring audiophiles.
The music turns me on. I've reached the horizon and I'm happy to look out at the other horizons, but I am finished with the pursuit. Just enjoying the view.
I have some audio friends who think they will have it all- great acoustic music, rock, classical. They are manic in their praises, then fall to pieces when choral voices are not reproduced, or the bassoon sounds like it is in a different room. Ain't gonna happen, unless you are one of the $gods who can reach every horizon.
Or, a good marketing agency. All they have to do is convince you.

Let your ears decide!

Nothing trumps quality.

Wendell

Five or six years ago I found a speaker that lets me listen to music without listening to the speaker. I wish I would have realized that back then, instead I have spent the last five years trying to best them. Monitors, planars, hybrids, horns, even active speakers have been in my room but I keep going back to the music.
Right now, and for the first time in years, I don't have any speakers in the closet. Wish I could keep it that way but I'm a realist and know this satisfaction is only temporary. One thing for sure though, I'll not let these gems out of my house.
Keep looking Doug. Maybe I'll get a good deal from on one of your castaways. :)