I do find some of these recordings of speakers playing in spaces to be interesting. I don't expect to hear something great, but I am surprised at times how well it comes through, how little room coloration seems to be degrading the sound. If I'm hearing good tone with extended smooth bass and sparkly highs from microphones placed at the listening position it tells me there's got to be pretty good sonics happening in that room. I've also felt at times I could hear the sonic signature of the speakers interacting with the room in a way that was quite compelling, like a very pleasing filter effect, making the same song file played straight through my speakers seem somewhat on the dry side. I don't expect to hear differences from things like cables or pre-amps. However, if they did leave every setting and microphone and speaker placement the same and level adjusted to 0.1db, it would be quite interesting if someone could demonstrate a difference a change in amplifier or cable made. That would prove that something very significant had changed.
As much as I try, I just don't get it........
A few YouTubers are always making changes to their systems, and having their audience listen ( I imagine you all know the few posters I am speaking about ). The show reviewers are posting some audio samples, and having their audience listen. I can go on and on. Honestly, however I try, I cannot determine what the big deal is, as these videos, with the " audio presentations ", are weak, poor, and tell me nothing. I listen to a lot of YT videos of my favorite artists, videos from some of my favorite recordings, some studio and some live, and many sound quite good.....but nothing from these others I speak about, do anything for me. This is why I admire Steve, at his Audiophiliac channel, Sean at his Zero Fidelity channel, and Paul McGowan at his Ask Paul ( from PS Audio ) channel ( and others ), who speak, and know, listening in this context, is useless. Am I alone in this finding ? Does anyone actually feel listening to some of these posters, with their " audio presentations ", get the impact, or " lack of ", of what they are hearing ? I am in no way demeaning these folks, but my audio and listening background, does not allow me to make good judgements in this way, unless I am in the actual room of the demo. Enjoy, be well and stay safe. Always, MrD.