While it is true that an expert can get good tone out of a crappy instrument, it is also true that a novice can get good tone out of an instrument that has good tone to begin with.
I certainly think 'tone' is an appopriate word to describe a stereo system, at least if you are discussing this other other musicians.
Though audiophiles have the tendency to dissect and discuss small portions of the musical spectrum separately , a good "tone" would just be an overall pleasing sound. Not too warm, not too bright, not too thin, not too forward... just plain old good tone.
I certainly think 'tone' is an appopriate word to describe a stereo system, at least if you are discussing this other other musicians.
Though audiophiles have the tendency to dissect and discuss small portions of the musical spectrum separately , a good "tone" would just be an overall pleasing sound. Not too warm, not too bright, not too thin, not too forward... just plain old good tone.