Hifiman - I consider myself very fortunate - in the 15-30 minute travel radiusĀ of where I live there are around 6 stores that sell mid and high-end gear, with a wide variety of products and knowledgeable and friendly staff. An extra 15 minutes and I can double that number - hi-fi seems to be popular in Toronto.
My relationship to many of them affords me the privilege of in-storeĀ auditions of specific requested setups.and one store has allowed an in-home audition, with others offering the service.
Not all of my gear is purchased in this manner - many things, like Arms andĀ various turntable upgrades, were purchasedĀ via the web after consultation with friends and/or store owners. But in general, for "components" I tend to visit the stores.
But I have experienced lemons after an in-store purchase, so I do not consider the in-store approach infallible.
I tend to stay away from reviews - but If I do use them it's to get a "general impression" and may seek out the reviewed component at one of my local stores for audition purposes. but I never rely solely on a review.
OI've had a few internet "leaps of faith" and the one success was my Schiit Bifrost DAC. After reading so many positive reviews and at sporting such a reasonable price tag how could one go wrong?. But the journey to get it to the performance level I now enjoy has been a long one that required a lot ofĀ research on the web.
My two big purchases (amp and speakers) were serendipitous, in that I just happened to be in the store, probably looking at other stuff like albums, and heard something very special - that doesn't happen too often (fortunately)
The other reason I go to the store - to compare sound of what I have to something better and generally much higher priced - I tend to walk away feeling very satisfied with my system.
And those other times when I'm no so satisfied? - well,Ā the price tag usually brings me back to planet earth. :-)
Until I win the lottery...
Regards...
