Disappointments

 Yes

I’ve too have experienced the letdown once the component was in my home- it’s happened twice, and both involved speakers. The 3rd time was the charm- a pair of Magnepans. That was back in the 90’s. I had owned Magnepans for a decade after that. 

YES

Not yet. Only caveat is I have never auditioned a piece of gear in a store(live in a Hifi desert 🏜️). Have relied on research 🔬 to make a choice. Fortunately I am lucky 🍀enough to not to of layed a  goose egg 🥚. 

Yes, but my own fault.

I heard a pair of Auto Speakers, 6x9's that were awesome (to my poor buying status and inexperienced ears). Bought em, hot damn, hurried home.

Had a 1961 VW Beetle, they had a space behind the back seat. I wired them up temporarily, thinking they ought to sound terrific. 

What a dud, no bass, wimpy sound.

Back to the dealer, who asked: Are they mounted in a baffle? Nooooo

Went home, got a piece of 3/4" plywood, cut to make a tight fit, slanted board with the 6x9's aimed up at an angle.

I loved them, once I blocked the rear waves that were cancelling the front waves. It was a good early lesson.