High vs Low audio transistor hFE (DC Current Gain). Which is better?
In general BJT hFE's can spread Max:Min >=2.5 so matching PNP,NPN can affect unbalanced peak sine gain and THD.

Al so in general, the  higher  the hFE the more buffering you get and accurate current response.

So audio BJT's are best chosen by: 

1) matching, 2 ) higher hFE at a higher cost.

Here's the proof.

hFE affects THD directly by ratios of matching and pairs for ratio improvement with higher hFE.



The peak levels are on the scope with +/-1V input.  The attenuation is due t the ratio of load to source impedance or  hFE*load/Rb = 220 Ohms/2
The gain here is 90% or 900 mV out which is an efficiency tradeoff for a single stage.  Often there are 2,3 or 4 stages like Darlingtons and depends on power gain.

Lesson learned


higher Current gain translates in lower load regulation error.
higher mismatch hFE (P/N) translates into a difference in peak values expressed as a ratio of the average is exactly Total Harmonic Distortion.  (THD)
impedance ratios are improved by more current gain "or buffering" which implies lower drive impedance and better "damping  factor (ratio = load/source >100 is common)"