Matt:

You pose an interesting topic. I'm not sure if I'm even capable of responding. In the final analysis... to my way of thinking... it boils down to 1. personal taste; 2. personal talent and 3. personal wealth. (Recording equipment.) There is a fourth dimension and that is tenacity... a willingness to practice and hone one's skills.

I further believe that you don't actually require top of the line recording gear if you possess the other elements... but it sure would help. Thanks goodness they make "Fords and Chevies" and the same could be said for all the different styles/types/genres of music. It's all about personal choice.

Thanks for posing such an interesting and complicated question.

All my best,

Dave Rice