Buyer's remorse - your worst purchase?

Tubegroover and Trelja, you're both right, research is the key and audiogon has been very helpful. I thought it my be interesting/fun to hear about some the mistakes people make. Fortunately for me, my buyer's remorse has been limited to software and not hardware. I will take your advice and hopefully be as fortunate as the two of you have been with your systems.

A little bit of arrogance in some of these responses. It is of a truth that nothing can match an audtion, especially in home. But, not all people live where there is access to all brands! Reading others opinions, especially more than one!!!...as well as reviews can be very helpful.

auditioning a product is, of course, the best way to shop, but as said before, it's not always possible. so, the best thing to do is as much research as possible - forums like this *are* very useful. also, if you're gonna buy something that you haven't heard, i strongly suggest either a demo or used piece - that way, if ya don't like it, ya won't take such a bath unloading it.

GTA SEP-1 Preamp. Bought it cuz I liked its looks. The pre was the worst sounding piece of junk I ever bought. They still are. Luckily for many of the uneducated GTA is out of business for the time being.

Polk Signatures,Biggest mistake,only lasted a month with me.Ended up trading them in with some cash for Martin Logan Sequels..Still have them after 5 years.The other was a Jolida it couldnt drive the Logans.Ended up breaking even on that one.