Doug , quality is subject and exists as a matter of comparison to other similar products. Bottom line is that I think what mnfgrs of quality equip know is that without a place to do A/B demos, it is packaging, marketing, hype, buzz, "unsolicited "(yeah, right) testomonials, advertising, reviews, consumer reports (they love bose),etc. that will sell gear...I trust my own ears, but only as long as my audio memory allows (short time)...I need comarative demos or I too might convince myself that the less expensive one is really just as good (which it might be,but I'd like to hear for myself).....