First system bought in '76. I'm now on only my 2nd pair of speakers and my 3rd turntable/arm and preamp/amp set-up. Before I bought, I spent a lot of time reading the experts' thoughts on various components and taking records to audio shops to listen to the characteristics of the components. I came to trust certain reviewers who I felt were good at listening to music and were able to express what they were hearing, and I knew what was important to me.
I guess it was "trust but verify." I trusted the guidance of certain reviewers and verified by extensive auditioning of gear.
What I'm getting at is that I'm not a flipper, and the stuff I bought was somewhat expensive at the time, but thoughtful buying makes for years of satisfaction. So I haven't really dropped much of what I've earned over the years on audio gear, in a relative sense.
I guess it was "trust but verify." I trusted the guidance of certain reviewers and verified by extensive auditioning of gear.
What I'm getting at is that I'm not a flipper, and the stuff I bought was somewhat expensive at the time, but thoughtful buying makes for years of satisfaction. So I haven't really dropped much of what I've earned over the years on audio gear, in a relative sense.