You tube hifi influencers. Love them or hate them?

I honestly dislike YouTube content for many of the reasons stated in this thread. YouTube's content creator model is designed around attention. The more attention something gets, the more the influencer is paid. As such all content needs to be tailored about retaining attention vs straight out providing education and value.

I've found value in any part of the audio system is a personal thing. I enjoy providing value to those who seek it, rather than to broadcast something in a shiny way and try to influence people on it. I do review products I deal for periodically, but only when it truly knocks my socks off. When I do review products, I make this content in the format of exhaustive written reviews rather than through videos. I don't get paid for my reviews, nor do I get money for the amount of traffic or views it drives. I just want to express my experiences with the gear and hope it helps someone out. But hey, I've only written two reviews, and in most cases, I prefer to just add value by providing guidance in these forums.

Like all things…some discernment needed….. Live a little, cast a wide net…. filter…

Audiophile know thyself……

Also….. make some great friends….. in a city of 3million….there are probably 100 w 300B amps…..

To the OP….. let us know if the CJ and the Quicksilvers become cast aways…. IMO , those were / are excellent choices….. 

@tomic601 They are keepers and here to stay!

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.