The library / Listening
Less switching.
More listening.
A familiar recording is often more useful than a long playlist of impressive demonstrations.
Choose a small reference
Pick a short passage you know: a voice, a piano note fading into a room, or a busy rhythm section. Listen to the whole passage before trying to describe a single detail.
Keep comparisons fair
Use the same passage and try to match the playback level. A slightly louder version can seem more vivid even when other differences are small. Note whether the versions come from the same master before blaming the file format.
Write what you hear
Useful notes are specific: “the vocal is farther forward” or “the cymbal decay is easier to follow.” Keep the recording, equipment and playback settings beside the impression so you can understand the note later.
Leave room for enjoyment
Take breaks, choose a comfortable volume and let an album play without interruption. A collection is there to be heard, rather than continually rearranged around the next comparison.