These discussions always fascinate me. In the same way I imagine it would be to hear a group of Martians carrying on a conversation!
I'd seriously like to understand this stuff. Would somebody please tell me where I could start to learn what you guys are talking about? I've googled some of the terms on occasion; but it's like jumping into the middle of a soap opera that's been running for 20 years.

I understand if it's too complicated for a neophyte to grasp; but I'm not asking for a complete tutorial - just a good starting place for the basics. Audio for Dummies, if you will.
Any tips on where I might find the different types of recordings you are comparing would be helpful, too.