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

Although asking what is best isn't that helpful, asking what something sounds like is helpful. I am sure many will disagree with me, but when I wanted to upgrade my speakers last year, I asked about several brands and it helped me avoid ones I knew I would not like. For instance, Brand A (and this isn't a thread about specific brands) I was told by everyone who had them that they were detailed and "bright" and they loved them, with another Brand B all the owners said they were laid back and perhaps not that great for rock, but they loved them also. Is it possible I might have loved Brand A or Brand B? Possible, but to me it saved me time and perhaps even having to order some and then ship them back.
It's always nice to try before you buy, like at some ice cream stores that has those little pink spoons to try, but some stores don't let you. Flannel Ice Cream? Now I know to try it before buying a cup of it....  

because they want to know... and are worried they cannot determine the answer on their own

It all sounds pointless. I think I will quit.

Likewise - off to a more entertaining thread. :-)

There's a very good reason to ask others "what sounds best?", particularly here; there are people who are very well informed about audio reproduction here.  It's literally that simple.  Equivalent to asking Anthony Fauci about viral reproduction.

Exhibit A: I recently asked the Forum to opine on which of two highly regarded tubes sound better: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/1975-new-reflektor-6n23p-swgp-or-siemens-amperex-telefunken-c...

As a complete surprise to me, a different tube was recommended to me by my new favorite Audiogoner petg60.  I acted in accordance with that recommendation and am now, as a result of that action, enjoying the most satisfying audio reproduction that I've ever heard.

Given that such is no less than the raison d'etre of us being here, I'd say that asking  "what sounds best?" is the sanest possible question that you can ask here.  The answer to it could literally accomplish the achievement of the reason why you are here.

Enjoy the music!

for a number of years i did rely on reviews and feedback from others for guidance. and it got me to a dead end of Mark Levinson electronics and Wilson speakers. essentially high end brick and mortar sound. it was good, but not satisfying. that was in the year 2000. i wanted more.

i started to audition various amplifiers and found i liked the Tenor OTL tube amps. they seemed to be more lively and alive sounding. a combo of tubes and solid state. then i found a speaker that i thought would work well with those, the Kharma’s. i got lucky and really liked this combo, and it was a direction i found on my own.

since then i have stayed away from reviewed gear and brick and mortar products mostly. typically i’ve known the gear builders and even been involved in the product gestation. many times owning the very early versions of gear. following my own path. and i built a room reflecting my own views.

lots of people do ask me my opinions. my direction has involved lots of asset allocation and an all in direction. that is not real world for everyone. so it makes sense that people who might like the sound i have to ask me questions.

it takes a leap of faith to acquire a reference for yourself. it’s easier and safer to follow another’s path. nothing wrong with that. the most serious, and the most naturally talented among us, typically do find our own sound. for me it was a struggle and i’ve tripped and hurt myself many times in the process. for a few years now i'd say i have what i was wanting.