As a former audiophile I would say it is VERY subjective.
I went through many different setups using components from different companies, ending in very high end setup. Every component change made changes to the sound, its tone and "shape". Every piece of equipment imparts its own colour. All you are doing is picking the "shape" you prefer.
Now I mostly use MP3
In blind tests between a good solid state amp and a good valve amp you would find that a higher percentage would pick the valve amp as better. Yet valves are far less acurate but give sound a nice rose tint.
Music, Unlike a simulator, is about the emotion.