The reviewers have their "reference" system, that they are supposed to know intimately. They can then swap out a part (like the receiver) when they are doing a review and compare what they hear to what they remember. (I already have a problem there, as audio memory doesn't last that long.)

Then they use flowery terms to describe what they are hearing. Words that have no relationship to measurable quantities. There's no way to argue how warm the midrange is, or sweet the highs.

I used to pour over equipment reviews when I was a kid. Trying to imagine what these words meant, how I was missing the chocolaty middle while listening to my mom's Sound Design stereo system. Over time I grew more and more aware that these reviewers are writing to appeal to readers (and their advertisers). They're telling a story that people want to hear, but it is mostly fantasy.

Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011
Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8
Sony PS4, surround backs
-Chris