John:
I've played violins ranging from under $100 up to $2100. I have found that even the cheap ones can sound decent. In addition I've played bows ranging from $30 to $1700. The cheap bows can sound decent too. Therefore it is likely that what you are hearing on Youtube is accurate. The skill of the player has a lot to do with it.
As far as build materials, workmanship, tuning stability, playability, are concerned that's another story. For example, you may find that the lower priced violins may not hold tuning as well as higher priced ones, although I did play a Yamaha model once that couldn't hold tuning because the tuning pegs kept slipping.
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