Most of us are familiar with Pacing, rhythm, and Timing. PRaT for short.
It's what gets our feet tapping to the music.
Not all equipment promotes PRaT. Some equipment sounds terrific in all respects except PRaT.
I am often asked if when we're designing new products we consider PRaT as one of the design goals. The answer is a simple yes.
What we realized long ago is that even if you have perfect soundstaging, timbre, frequency response and amazing dynamics, that isn't everything.
PRaT is how we connect with music with our emotions. And that's an essential element (or should be) in any design.
So, yes, emotional connection, PRaT...however you wish to express it, it's all part and parcel of the design process.
Some equipment's got it.