Hello Bridgeman ... were it only that easy! In my experience, I've had to live with a new piece of equipment for a while before I could determine whether I liked more. I think an obvious difference would speak to a defect or gross qualitative difference.
Someone said it's all in the nuances. Does a system tend to provide you with more WOW musical moments than another.
Now, I can hear the snickers ... 'wait, I'm going for my WOW meter ... oh no! I can't find it!'
Maybe an A/B test would work. dunno. I'd like to sign up.
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.