Typically I will start with The Absolute Sound and Stereophiles list of best components. If I were starting today. I would craft a prompt for an AI identifying the sonic characteristics I was after. It is really good with sonic characteristics, but not so good with exact component recommendations, so take specifics with a grain of salt. It will be better later when comparing components.
I would probably then try and listen to whatever on the list I could and compare my observations with the reviews. I would add my observations to the AI and have it help me narrow things down.
With turntables and cartridges I want o buy from a dealer. I personally am a clutz and have little patience, so I want a dealer who loves to tinker with turntables to set mine up. So that helps me narrow things down.
Happily with my last turntable / cartridge purchase the it just perfectly nailed the sonic characteristics I was looking for... musical / natural. So, it was a perfect conclusion. Lots of research getting there.
