So where was any of this demonstrated? Cite?Marantz (esp. KI signature ones) has it own house sound. Krell has it. Mcintosh has it too.
Marantz sound is by design. Its not neutral. Its characteristics was created on purpose. Good or bad, i am not here to discuss about it.
Krell is again known for its bass and on the cold side (esp. for early ones). Its not neutral as well. Only newer gears are on the neutral side.