Again, I appreciate all the comments. Having just resumed serious listening this year at age 71 I have found real enjoyment in hifi. But, I know my days are numbered and so want to squeeze as much pleasure from listening to music as I can. Therefore, I wrote my post with intention of seeking direction from those on Audiogon with far more experience and ability to articulate how to listen for the variety of parameters that hifi-reproduced music presents, and that are spoken about by knowledgeable audiophiles. In sum, I'm trying my best to learn to listen, talk about hifi, and explore both recordings and the devices that reproduce their music.
With Qobuz I can easily listen to a multitude of different recordings of Beethoven's Eroica Symphony, and identify which I like better than others. I am beginning to realize the value of spending time listening to many recordings of the same piece. But, I'd like to learn the proper lexicon for describing differences between recordings I like and those I don't. Additionally, when I cobble together the funds for a better streamer or DAC, and audition a device against what I currently have, I'd like to be able to have tracks that are known to be capable of demonstrating one or more parameters so that I can conduct the audition efficiently rather than "winging it" with a poorly recorded track that I still like for sentimental reasons from the '60s. However, I appreciate there must be many different methods or perspectives that people use to evaluate (or just plain enjoy) recordings and gear, and they may all have some value.
As a newcomer to the audiophile community, I appreciate all of the responses to my post.
