Thanks for all the replies. I am not looking for any gear at the moment that would require an audition. I was curious about others experiences, and also sort of felt like the response to go find a dealer to lend you equipment was mostly impractical and was a little lazy. Happy to hear some of you have dealers you like and work with you.
It seems from reading the forums that it is somewhat pointless to ask about this speaker vs that speaker etc. I am looking more for in general questions that tap into the experiences and knowledge on how you got to where you are now. Just the variety of rooms people deal with, mine is a living room in a 1915 house with 3 doors and a stairway that comes down in on corner. And no one ever asks about the most important equipment---your ears, but that differs also.
It seems from reading the forums that it is somewhat pointless to ask about this speaker vs that speaker etc. I am looking more for in general questions that tap into the experiences and knowledge on how you got to where you are now. Just the variety of rooms people deal with, mine is a living room in a 1915 house with 3 doors and a stairway that comes down in on corner. And no one ever asks about the most important equipment---your ears, but that differs also.