Quote Originally Posted by skeptic
None of the above.

What makes a good speaker system is how it performs, not what is inside it.

Most audiophiles say they value accuracy.
What is accuracy? Good question. If you ever find out, please let me know.
Performance is a function of what's inside, what the container is like (enclosure), how it's connected, how it's powered, and what source is feeding it. You're correct in the implication that absolute statements have no meaning in this context: what makes a good speaker? However, I think it's incorrect to leave the impression that some general qualities cannot be elucidated with respect to accuracy.

The short-lived musician and speaker behind the curtain advertising gimmick was, strangely enough, a validation of this in that if you couldn't tell if it was the musician or the recording, then the recording and the speaker must be pretty darn accurate. The really hilarious part was when the cellist played a duet with herself and the brass quartet became an octet. Of course, the upper and lower octaves were never demonstrated, because cymbals and bass drums would never pass muster on the speakers.