A simple question with a complicated answer that's so full of caveats & unknowns it's almost impossible to nail down. I'll have a go
Forget this applying to ply shells/veneers, because it doesn't. So we're talking solid shells. Generally, what we describe as figuring is something that steps away from the expected grain structure of the species, or can be the result of infestation, etc. Where there is a departure from the usual grain structure (an extreme example would be burls), you can expect different sonic characteristics, as such forms usually equate to higher mass, & in the case of vertical grain shells, a deviation from the normal lines of vibration transmission. In the case of birdseye maple for example, there is little change to the overall mass and grain distribution, therefore there's little - no change in characteristics other than the expected variation within a defined set of parameters.
Not always, but very generally, figuring equates to higher mass, & sometimes increased hardness. That in turn usually raises pitch (all other elements being equal) & brightness of timbre. If that's a personal feature of "better", then maybe there's something in it. The flip side of that is, in forms where grain form is substantially interrupted (i.e burs), it's typical to find a much less well defined fundamental. Again, that can be viewed as a negative or a positive. Finally, a lack of uniformity can equate to a less well defined sympathetic resonant envelope, & that in turn can make the shell more difficult to excite, & that equates to less low dynamic resonance & usually a shorter fundamental. Again, if you're after focus & volume, that can be a good thing. If you're after greater dynamic tonal involvement, then it's a negative.
To sight an extreme & understood example (all other things being equal) Walnut produces a warm tone with deep low fundamental & few higher transient overtones. Walnut burl produces a bright tone with lots of high overtones.
Hope this helps,
Andy.