Dimmy.
I would not, in any way shape or form claim to have golden ears, sixth sense, or any "blessed" attributes etc etc etc.
What i would say, (as i have always said) is that IMHO you do not need great hearing to hear well, if that makes sense.
Of course, there is the subjective element, particularly when we are talking about what in most cases (re: DD/DTS) are really quite small "differences". This IS exactly my point.
When listening to 2 channel stereo (CD) and simple acoustic/close mic'd female vocal affairs etc it is easy to concentrate upon an individual "strand" the flamenco guitarist for example, the strike of the string, the timbre of the guitar, the physical postion of the guitarist, the vocal inflection etc etc etc, i think that it IS possible to differentiate with less subjectiveness which s a better amplifier for instance, obviously based on ones personal criterea (or preference if you like) for timing or dynamics, or depth of soundstage, these types of "values" i feel ARE distinguishable as better or worse.
When we arrive at the good old DD/DTS chestnut, my quote regarding most peole can't differentiate between different or better will include myself if you like.
The "differences" in my listening sometimes are so small that i am unable to reach the conclusion that A is BETTER than B based on my understandings/beliefs of what "clearly better" is, so my "musings" are then based on what is actually different..
Hence my annoyance when i read so offten that "DTS rocks" or "DTS blows xxx out of the water" etc, based on what exactly?
when i start reading things like "like opening a window" or "subjective improved coherence" i tend to shut down, these are euphormisms that i have read over and over again in the HiFi rags over the years.
IMHO if you want a real improvement in coherence (between speakers) press the THX button.
Analy retentive as ever - nothing if not reliable.