This hobby is for hedonists, not scientists

"I represent science!" -- Anthony Fauci

Best NY bagels I ever had were at a place in Hell's Kitchen.

I am a scientist…a retired regulatory affairs, quality assurance systems, and quality engineer.  My belief that measurements do not predict sound quality with reliability is not scientific denialism.  However, listening to reproduced music does induce pleasure with a calming effect, but not hedonistic sensual pleasure.  I think the latter term a step too far even though the biochemical mechanism of pleasure from music is the same hormone complex as hedonistic sensuality.  
 

Consider this as a scientist.  Is it possible that the reason current measurements do not reliably predict sound quality is that the state of scientific knowledge of the complex psychoacoustic, environmental factors, and psychological mechanisms of subjective musical perception/enjoyment are not fully understood, and an algorithm to measure and predict this not developed.   I believe this the case, and ‘‘tis a lofty goal that may never be achieved due to the complexity of human perception of sound quality.  

I've had NY bagels, Chicago bagels, Toronto bagels, Minneapolis bagels, SF bagels, LA bagels, Milwaukee bagels, Cincinatti bagels, well you get the picture. They all taste pretty much the same, and none of them taste like the kind you get at the grocery store (at least no brand I've ever encountered).  I assume it's the preservatives and extra cost-cutting ingredients that are used, but who knows?

Music lovers✔️

Tinkers ✔️

Disappointed or dissatisfied ✔️

H&H Bagels✔️

I am neither.  To me, the hobby is a question of “Can I get better sound?”

I was a fan in the early 1960’s when my dad bought his first true HiFi system.  I was hooked.  Through High School, College, Military service, first real job and until today, it has been an incremental series of purchases, trades and sales and over accumulation of products looking for improvement.

I think given my means, I’m there.  I’m happy with what I hear.  I wish every person on this forum satisfaction with what they hear, through their current gear.