Tamara, yes difficult to to point of impossible, but there is a difference, sound reproduction is measurable and is quantifiable, it is not a religion, nor should it be a belief, it is simply reproducing music. Get the numbers right and the result will be right, there is no voodoo involved at least in the realities of reproduction however there are many voodoos involved in the appreciation of the eventual outcome. What I am trying to say here is that many perceived 'improvements' are simply that, 'perceived' and that the 'look and feel' of an object may create a perceived improvement. This is something I have previously quoted as being 'tags' ie something that gets locked into the subconscious subliminally as being good etc. and then when seen sounds better however if not seen appears to make no difference whatever ie in a real double blind test.

John... 

Hi John,

You don't need to convince me.  I work on a cost/benefit ratio.  If I personally can hear it and the cost is reasonable I'd go for it.  If not I'd stick with what I've already got.  It is therefore  experiential or some would say subjective ( as it relies on on my own judgement).

Involved in the building trade.  Have spoken to people who've paid 10's of thousands for a kitchen that is poorly constructed,designed, fitted and showing wear within a months....when I would probably have designed and had made a bespoke kitchen for half that price which would have lasted them a lifetime..... Some people are gullible and associate cost with quality / durability etc.... not necessarily so  and vice versa.

Hi Bill,

Have you seen the programme on Itzak Perlman..A violinist who contracted polio at the age of 3.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00dwfyt/Itzhak_Perlman_Virtuoso_Violinist/

You know I struggle with violins.  This is a phenomenal.  For the story..but the violin playing..I love it.

Shows him as a young lad... excellent! that's then. Now.WOW!