For the most part option 3 for me buying, listening, reselling over and over. However over the years and a variety of tubed gear, every time something would need repairs I would take it to Deja Vu Audio. Vu almost always gave me a loaner amp and his stuff always sounded better than whatever I was getting fixed. I now have a Deja Vu preamp and amp. All of my other gear is from Agon with the exception of a few cables.
How did you choose your equipment?
As I surf this site and look at different systems, certain questions arise for me: What actually makes people choose one manufacturer over another? What was the influence or recommendation that made you decide on an amp from company "x" instead of company "y"? I'm guessing it's from one of these possibilities:
1) Read a review from an audio magazine: This is probably (and unfortunately), the most common way.
2) Visiting your local audio retailer: Honestly, how many of us do this anymore? The internet is a big place...
3) Hearing a friends system. This seems like the most likely way. Think about it: Brick and mortar audio stores are so scarce that it makes it difficult to go somewhere and listen to a variety of equipment. When locations to hear music are rare, going to your friends house is the most likely method. Obviously, the possibility of you purchasing one of those components increases.
4) Finding a deal on the internet without actually hearing or reading about the component: Basically, taking a chance on something.
So, what determines your decision?
1) Read a review from an audio magazine: This is probably (and unfortunately), the most common way.
2) Visiting your local audio retailer: Honestly, how many of us do this anymore? The internet is a big place...
3) Hearing a friends system. This seems like the most likely way. Think about it: Brick and mortar audio stores are so scarce that it makes it difficult to go somewhere and listen to a variety of equipment. When locations to hear music are rare, going to your friends house is the most likely method. Obviously, the possibility of you purchasing one of those components increases.
4) Finding a deal on the internet without actually hearing or reading about the component: Basically, taking a chance on something.
So, what determines your decision?