Why would it matter, in absolute terms, whether one component is "better" than another or not? It only matters if it is better within the context of your system (unless you are a retailer selling components, and then it only matters how it sounds in the purchasers system).
Hi Bob,
Because all typical systems have multiple problems, not just one problem. That is the key.
If system Z has
perfect components, problems will be zero in number and severity. System synergy will be perfect, and music most natural.
As each component in a system deteriorates in sonic quality, more and more problems develop, and with greater severity, and less synergy. The term "synergy" varies all over the place. That term actually means very little. But let's continue.
If one thinks that by purchasing two mediocre systems that one can some how arrive at perfection, perfect synergy, such is not the case in any sense. It just is not going to happen. Personally, I find just about every type of music sounds better with a better system.
Finally, for all, high prices hardly qualifies a component as superior. Usually it is nothing more than aesthetics, and many times marketing tatics that adds to the price. For instance, a choke adds weight and cost, is part of marketing, but actually deteriorates the sonics. Pay more for less.
On the other hand basic, cheap prices will hardly allow one to purchase quality parts for maximum sonic quality.
When designing, either one is lucky, or one actually knows how to properly design, and listen test a component for most accurate/natural musical quality.
Here is a Whitepaper I wrote decades ago that discusses designing principles, what to look for, what not to look for, why, and with some stats. One will learn a lot that marketers don't want you to know.
http://www.sasaudiolabs.com/sasaudio.htmcheers
steve