I may have missed the equipment list (yes, I believe that there are differences between equipment - and I am an electrical engineer with 20years of design work) but what do you have that your friends listen to?
To take Chess' point, if you define the what it is you enjoy in the sound, there is an explanation to be put forth.
You are absolutely correct that the preferences are personal. But there is always some realm of science to explain things in life!!!
Chess - re: Metric - absolutely the US should abandon the Imperial measurement system. They are quite alone in clinging to this system devised - and abandoned by British rulers. The Metric system is based in - GASP- science!!!! LOL
