The audiophiles hearing only approach
Most hobbies involved equipment, involves knowledge. Flying or yachting needs license and if you don't study you put your life in danger. But it is also common that photography involve classes to get the basics and more. Even gardening need skills.
Some, for a reason would like us the audiophiles have no knowledge at all. We better only use our ears and keep our mouth shut. The less we know the better. That would serve an industry that might enjoy and benefit from this. Its representatives are all over this thread. Just in case you didn't noticed.
This repeated say, that the best way to get a good sound system is only by listening techniques is an absurd. At any moment, there are thousands of speakers, amplifiers, sources, cables and more, to create an endless combination. In this game, (invented by who?) the only way to get along is by listening. If you use your brain, you are out of this exclusive club. When the industry representatives will jump on you, it is the end!
Well, as this hobby has more options than the amazons jungle trees combined, let's do it their way: Let's cross it, blind folded, only using your ears! It will save you from the predators, the scavengers and the traps. If you use anything else, or remove your eye cover, you are out of the game.
I met all kind of guys in this hobby. The worst were those who never got the basics and theory behind it. The ignorant, uneducated but very active! They were always the first to jump on any opportunity to show off their talent…The most annoying at the forums, the worst at gatherings and owning the worst sounding equipment.
Please, if some may recognize any of that and feels like I'm talking about them: avoid this thread. It is not for you.