TBH I really, really can't tell the difference between by £20 stereo system and people in the same room as me, actually playing my favorate iron maiden song. I'm not trying to be a dick, I just can't. And there's nothing wrong with my ears, but there is with my eyes - both have been extensively checked.
I'm also tired seeing of people do dumb stuff like spend £££ on monster cables and the like, even after I, and a few others explain to them they are a scam, and this is the kicker : it was a digital stereo in the first place, so by definition you could have used paperclips and it wouldn't make a difference. And then there's those that swair up and down that (i'm not making this up): The first version of the sony playstation (SCPH-1001) is the best sounding cd player ever made, so long as you use it upside down, and let it warm up, valve radio style, for half an hour first. They actually believe this.
There's one thing I will say though, headphones are always better than speakers. Dunno why, but it's like you can hear "more" of the song, or something.:confused: