Is it possible for something to be the best?

I have been trying to get people to think in absolute terms when they refer to their systems rather than the subjective whims they currently use to describe their obsession. I love to see/hear people actually think. Many of these threads are so meaningless. It's fun to engage in some intelligent intercourse via AudiogoN.
So there is no best pre-amp, or amp, or turntable? What about the Rockport turntable? Does that mean Monet was not the best impressionist painter or Greene and Greene were not the best architects of the prairie/mission style. Can't there be a mathmatical equation to determine the best interconnect?
It just seems as though something must be the best at any given time. Am I wrong again?!?

No Nrchy, it's just that when such statements are made there are people ready to jump in the discussion that care more about the art of argument than the point of the subject being discussed.

For what it is worth, I agree Claude Monet was the best impressionist painter. I love Renoir and Degas almost as much, at least when discussing French impressionist art that preceded the impressionist music movement.

The Rockport is the best turntable, all things considered. To judge in a fair and absolute manner, every facet of the product must be considered.

The Walker Proscenium performs as well musically, but when every point, such as finish, fit and attention to detail is tallied, the Rockport wins. Sometime you must ask (and answer TRUTHFULLY) if you could have this upgrade for free, would you prefer it over what you have now? Much of the time the afford ability of an object plays a huge role in our judgement.

I suspect I have already furnished enough fuel for a two week tirade.

To add to my above post, I do feel that there are absolute bests, but the parameters for judgement must be set. And as Albert points out, not all will agree. As an aside, were the impressionists experimenting with an early form of digital representation, using large "pixels"?

I beg to differ that the Rockport is the best.Have you ever heard the Audio Tekne?

There are plenty of bests. The best sex you've ever had. The best day you've ever had. The best system you've ever heard. The best looking woman you've ever seen. The best wine you've ever had. Best Food. Best Friend.Best Car Best Best It's all up to you.