Don't get it, why anyone would ask others "what sounds best"?

As far as asking others for their opinions, why not? There's way too much equipment out there to listen to even a good portion. If a few folks recommend something then I often use that to narrow down the search. I agree with JL35 that its just a starting point.

I also like to stick with  brands that are from more reliable companies. As the owner in the past of Enlightened Audio and Meadowlark equipment that used Audax tweeters it is tough when your manufacturer goes out of business (Meadowlark is back at least)

Once I've found a few items that seem to make sense its time to listen. I have found that there's too much going on when doing A-B comparisons so I break it down. I pick a musical passage that highlights either treble, mids or bass. Say I start with a passage featuring a bass guitar. I just listen to that portion going back and forth until I can tell which I like best. Then I do the same for a passage that higlights the mids and then treble. In my experience one unit will "win" on all three, but of course that needn't be true. I've found that the one that gets all the parts right will typically be the unit that has the best overall sound too.

Not an easy hobby, but maybe that's part of the fun!

This - asking what’s best- almost never comes up. But now I am going to upgrade the crossovers in my Tekton Moab speakers. Total massive upgrade. Might sound crazy to some, but it is just like building a system from scratch. Only instead of amp, speaker and turntable the components are caps, resistors and inductors.

Which are the best? Who do you ask? People with experience. They help me winnow down the field, and put the reviews in perspective. Reviews? Of caps? Resistors?? Inductors???! Yeah. No kidding. http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Cap.html

So there’s your answer arizonabob, use others to help you find stuff you might otherwise have missed. Then DYODD. Always.

Very dangerous question... 'what sound best'.
My 75 year old sister in law has been listening to AM radio since she was born and to her that is the benchmark of sound.  Anything over 5 kHz is verboten.
Oh yes, she prefers the bass turned up quite a bit also.

My favorite is when someone asks what is the best speaker? There is no mention of room size,supporting equipment. Is this a dedicated listening room,or will your wife make you jam the speakers up against a wall and keep them 24” apart?  But folks will still tell you what’s best! 

I always read up on others opinions to glean from their experience. It helps to avoid "buyers remorse". Works for me.