My partner and I have been together for 37 years… or is it 38? I only occasionally bring her along. Only if I am stuck. She, like virtually all females has better hearing, and is very sensitive to noise and distortion. So, if I am wavering, in two seconds she will say those sound terrible. This helps keep one off the “detail is better at any cost train”… cuz there is frequently a cost.
Beware of experts. I start by interviewing. I have long conversations with a potential audio guy. I cover stuff I know well. I note his comments… does he have a clue? What does he know about? What are his values in sound reproduction? Does he like flashy sound, polite, bass heavy… detail scraping, musical? What kind of music. I work from obvious to detailed stuff… moving down to individual interconnect signatures, cartridge sound. He needs to be more knowledgable and honest.
Obviously you can only go so far as you know. But if you are in synch and does not trash stuff he does not sell, or ideas he has not tried, then you can trust him.
You want someone knowledgeable not just opinionated. I have no idea why any sales person would offer an opinion on @mahgister ’s system. Just trying to look like he knows what he is talking about? Run.
I have had three audio guys of 20 years each. We have real, informative conversations. I have learned a great deal from them. These days the conversations are two way and he will ask me questions and sometimes bring equipment over to my house to help him evaluate. This is ideal… but takes long relationships.