there is no one ultimate source.
in 1994 when i got seriously into hifi system building and music collection building, the internet was in it’s infancy, and there were zero on line forums. it was hard print Hifi magazines, the occasional show, and dealers. we also had a local hifi club. over time i made hifi friends and it took some energy and effort to learn stuff.
initially i did rely on my local dealer for their guidance, for about 4-5 years while i learned. during those 5 years i used all the above sources, listened and asked questions, tried to determine what i liked and did not like. figured out the most credible sources for information. at that point i started to understand what i liked and did not like. i developed my own reference to some degree, and then moved beyond the dealer’s products.
about that time 1999-2001 forums were emerging as sources for information.
my advice; actively find all the information you can, if you know someone with a system you like, ask lots of questions. keep your mind open to alternate approaches to system building. nothing wrong with a brick and mortar dealer for info.
hifi forums can be great places to learn. don’t limit yourself to Audiogon; there are other’s.
good luck, my learning process has been a true pleasure and have made many friends and had great experiences. the confidence to make good decisions takes time to attain. no hurry.
in 1994 when i got seriously into hifi system building and music collection building, the internet was in it’s infancy, and there were zero on line forums. it was hard print Hifi magazines, the occasional show, and dealers. we also had a local hifi club. over time i made hifi friends and it took some energy and effort to learn stuff.
initially i did rely on my local dealer for their guidance, for about 4-5 years while i learned. during those 5 years i used all the above sources, listened and asked questions, tried to determine what i liked and did not like. figured out the most credible sources for information. at that point i started to understand what i liked and did not like. i developed my own reference to some degree, and then moved beyond the dealer’s products.
about that time 1999-2001 forums were emerging as sources for information.
my advice; actively find all the information you can, if you know someone with a system you like, ask lots of questions. keep your mind open to alternate approaches to system building. nothing wrong with a brick and mortar dealer for info.
hifi forums can be great places to learn. don’t limit yourself to Audiogon; there are other’s.
good luck, my learning process has been a true pleasure and have made many friends and had great experiences. the confidence to make good decisions takes time to attain. no hurry.