I’ve been watching audio related YouTube reviewers for the last 6 years. Honestly it was Paul McGowan that I started watching and over the years, I’ve subscribed to all on the above list and even personally (and virtually) got to know some of them.
Then I took a crack at creating content on YouTube 4 years ago. I am not a reviewer and clearly state it on my channel. I don’t believe in all the flowery Harry Pearson Audio Adjectives. But I have my very crude & lude way of scaling equipment on how it sounds, and my excitement of either owning, or being loaned certain gear.
Ron Brenay was a big help to me and more importantly Randy. While I don’t agree with 90% of his YT content or Steve Guttenburg for that matter. I still watch both like a crack addict waiting for my weekly/daily fix.
My channel is small but the others on the list work hard at maintaining content and even making a living. I think they should be paid to do reviews IMHO. It’s a lot of work and getting greased to do it is a good thing provided they aren’t being positive about some or all aspects of the gear they review.
I’ve had one pair of Speakers that cost $6k that I had a hard time dialing in without adding some miniDSP to fix room interactions between the Speakers and my room (both to blame actually).
I had a Tube Integrated that wasn’t up to snuff and actually had some IP issues so I killed that review.
As much of an Orchard Audio fanboy that I am. I blew up 2 pairs of the little StarKrimson’s that came out 4 years ago. I was not a happy camper and mentioned it in one of my Video’s. Then the Ultra came out, everything wrong about the previous Amp was fixed plus double output and Tons of protection. I was pissed but then I bought 5 Ultra modules and powered them with Toroidal + beefy filter caps. Old School meets New School.
I’m a PS Audio Fanboy and that’s purely Paul McGowan’s fault. Andrew is #1 for a reason and I like Kristie & his style of reviewing.
YouTube & Social Media in general is how one sells equipment nowadays with in home trials and online sales. There are good brick & morter stores around but everything I’ve bought is gently used because I couldn't afford these items bought at a Dealer or online.
I still subscribe to Stereophool , Sound & Vision, & The Absolute Sound. delivered to my Zinio account. I miss Audio Magazine, Stereo Review, Sound & Vision (Canada), Audio Ideas Guide, & UHF. I subscribe to HiPig, Darko’s mag., SECRETS of Home Theater and High Fidelity, & Soundstage Network.