Very, very interesting. The question Alex_nsl is whether you think that its 'forgiving' quality is due to an 'artifice' it places OVER the music...or whether you think the CH digs DEEPER into the original recording, pulling MORE out of it and thereby delivering more of the original musical event?Vice-versa. CH Precision 10 series is most forgiving system in my experience. Even worst records sounded pretty pleasant with it.
D'Agostino Momentum and Luxman 1000 are second most forgiving setups, but still there were some unlistanable tracks that were fine on CH.
The reason for the question is that, for me and in our system, we have found that the greater the resolution, the dynamic attack, the capability...the BETTER ALL 3,000 CDs sound. And even the ones which never really sounded great...Bruce Springsteen masterings, take your pick...they still sound BETTER than they used to as the system has continued to evolve.
This is in stark contrast to certain components which sugar coat or dig in such a shallow manner, that while you are avoiding some of the poor recording/mastering issues...you are also inadvertently avoiding the original music buried deep down below as well. You end up with a lite-touch sound (ie, not particularly objectionable)...but also not particularly meaningful.
I suspect the CH is the digger deeper, better more thoroughly to bring music to the surface again-type of design. But that is just a guess, and would appreciate any thoughts you might have on WHY you think it is the most listenable.