When researching equipment you cannot see in person, YouTube influencers play an important role in showing and speaking about that component. Sometimes they are nothing more than glorified infomercials, but even that helps with your research.
I bought a Luxman integrated amp earlier this year that was a special edition of only 300 worldwide (L-595A SE), and there was no way to see it or audition it. Both Steve Huff and Steve Gutenberg had reviewed it enthusiastically and I appreciated their insights. They both seem to have a genuine enthusiasm for good audio equipment, and get excited about it. I have noticed that Steve Guttenberg has varying levels of enthusiasm, so you have to read between the lines, and he does have clear opinions. I imagine that he does not post negative or bad reviews so as not to scare away manufacturers and distributors from sending him gear, but if he doesn't like something he simply does not post a review about it. Emphasize the good and positive, ignore the bad and negative.