Even harmonic distortion is perceived as melody and warmth. You get that type of distortion with vinyl and tubes.Why would that be desirable? We’re trying to reproduce music as it was intended by the artists. Coloring the sound with distortion is not part of this. If the artist wants coloration, they can add that at their own discretion.
The artist argument is so disconnected from reality. Artists and producers expect listeners to play music in their cars and on cheap earbuds.
And the audiophile community is very focused on affordable gear, vintage and DIY. Key word: affordable. The really expensive stuff is pretty niche. This is not a millionaire hobby.
The Klipsch RP600M are affordable. Some people don't like them. I am not speaking on the behalf of the "community". But calling the RP600M bad is an opinion.