Mine is probably [ɬ]. From the moment I learned about it, I thought it was a super satisfying sound, though I haven't used it in the conlang I'm currently tinkering with (Hip'alŭk'). However, I've recently gained a strong liking for [ç], which is in Hip'alŭk' as an allophone of /h/ (in fact, it's in the name: [çiˈɸalʊkʰ]).
Can't really say why, but English "sh" has been the most audibly pleasing consonant to me for a while now. It feels mild and "comfy" while still being clear and distinctive. Almost like if you put a soft-light filter on "s".
Side-topic, I'm definitely early days of learning proper IPA. I believe I'm talking about ʃ. But when do you use /stuff/ vs [stuff]? And any tips/recommendations for where to start on learning more? I listen to this one YouTube channel that's been pretty helpful but not sure where to start beyond that.
Yeah, English "sh" (which, yes, is [ʃ]) is a really nice sound. In general, I like fricatives and affricates made in that general area of the mouth.
In response to your side noteː
As for resources, I don't fully remember how I went about learning IPA, but I'd recommend these old videos by Artifexian on place of articulation, manner of articulation, and voicing (the three main elements of any consonant in the IPA), as well as his video on vowels.
The voiced pharyngeal approximant/fricative [ʕ], though it does compete heavily with the voiceless alveolo-palatal fricative [ɕ]. In the former case I really love the mouth feel, while in the latter case I love how it sounds more than all the other sibilant fricatives. Unfortunately, I am somehow unable to pronounce the former's voiceless version [ħ].
I'd probably go with [ʂ]. Before that it would likely have been [x].
Ooo, the retroflex fricative is great. Seems like all the people in this thread like fricatives—and for good reason.
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