"@mgreen In a world with loads of brick and mortar come listen to it establishments what you said would be THE way to go, however in my "neck of the woods" (literally) there are NO audio shops to listen to gear. My last major purchase, Vandersteen Treo CTs involved a 6-7 hour round trip to make the purchase. In that particular instance I was buying speakers from a manufacturer whose speakers I have owned for the last 30 years. I knew pretty much what I was getting without first hearing them as available reviews and discussions with owners confirmed what my relationship with Vandersteen Audio had me believing. Fortunately all is well as they have turned out exceeding my expectations. I do envy those of you fortunate enough to have audio emporiums in close proximity."
Yes, but you still took matters into your own hands and drove that 6-7 hour drive. I've driven half way across the country to make sure I was doing the right thing. I find that the money spends much faster than it takes to make it. That said, there's zero risk when you buy Vandersteen's. They make the best speakers.