There's massive and audible differences between speakers, but it's difficult and time-consuming to do good blind ABX testing. If you look into Harman preferenc

There's massive and audible differences between speakers, but it's difficult and time-consuming to do good blind ABX testing. If you look into Harman preference score, that's the only real published stuff. The room will also make a massive difference and probably needs room treatment. I agree with you about electronics however... everything is so good now, well-designed amplifiers and electronics have ruler-flat frequency response. Amplifiers, cables and electronics are the last place people should spend money trying to improve their system.