That's the essence of the issue with audio.
You buy a " reference level" component that ( you assume) does as it is intended, but its still only one component. You hear the end result but are you able to identify what is contributing what. I think a component that reveals differences is great so long as everything else on the chain does its job. A speaker that is easier to drive, like the K1 vs the B1 for example, gives you more leeway to get it right overall.
Ultimately its the end result that you want, not one great component let down by everything else.
I think what matters in that equation is .........everything, if you are looking for that sublime sound. When i say everything, i mean everything. The recording, room, electricity, source cabling, racks, amplifier and speakers all contribute something. You are also part of the equation, including your mood, how fresh you are feeling, time of day, how familiar you are with the system ( its easier to like something new to your ears).
Every time i read someones comments about a new component i always thing, " yeah, but what is the context".
My own reference is an audio store is Singapore playing Sophie Mutter on Vinyl via Vitus electronics and Magico Q5 s with Magico subs in a heavily treated room ( dispersion , not absorption). I was on holidays ( vacation), in an unfamiliar city, room, system and recording. Lots of factors that may have given an unfair comparison. Claiming the Q 5 s are gods gift to audio with the ultimate wow factor would be problematic, although that system certainly was impressive.
I think a component that tells you about upstream gear shows great potential, you just have to find a chain,room and hopefully a broad range of recordings, that feeds it the right signal for a reference quality outcome.
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