To what others have said... headphones make all the difference for starters, and yes, you can become educated over time listening to various things and learning what music sounds like. (I know that is an odd statement, but true) I am a drummer, I listen and buy cymbals at times, based on YT videos. I’ve heard enough cymbals in my day to know what I am listening for, and what I need from the sound. Snare drums are similar, but are slightly more challenging. I have an “educated” ear in that regard and can discern very well what I prefer and don’t. Stereo gear is not much different. The more you listen to recorded music, become familiar with how it sound as a whole, you can start to pull out the good and bad from various “systems” on video.
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.