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How did you choose your equipment?

As I surf this site and look at different systems, certain questions arise for me: What actually makes people choose one manufacturer over another? What was the influence or recommendation that made you decide on an amp from company "x" instead of company "y"? I'm guessing it's from one of these possibilities:

1) Read a review from an audio magazine: This is probably (and unfortunately), the most common way.

2) Visiting your local audio retailer: Honestly, how many of us do this anymore? The internet is a big place...

3) Hearing a friends system. This seems like the most likely way. Think about it: Brick and mortar audio stores are so scarce that it makes it difficult to go somewhere and listen to a variety of equipment. When locations to hear music are rare, going to your friends house is the most likely method. Obviously, the possibility of you purchasing one of those components increases.

4) Finding a deal on the internet without actually hearing or reading about the component: Basically, taking a chance on something.

So, what determines your decision?
devilboy
slikric3000
638 posts
 
I am a real snob, I choose my components on how well they will impress others.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
i try to buy vintage used gear that is in great condition and i think is cool. no other criteria....the collector's curse.
mingles
796 posts
 
I want to echo what Entrope said:
finding local audiophiles and listening to their gear.
This is one of the best ways to learn. I've met a number of great people through the classifieds. As long as you're upfront and honest about your intentions, you'll find that most audiophiles love an audience to listen to, and talk about, their gear. Some of my best experiences have been in these situations.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
I am very conservative and change components very slowly: Research+ears, and serendipity+ears. I do my research in a variety of ways: Internet, mags, and a lot of phone calls to friends, dealers, importers, manufacturers. Eaquipped with my own test compilation CD, I listen to the equipment I researched at friends, dealers, RMAF, my own system. . . I am open to being surprised. . . by equipment I thought I would like and didn't. . . and by devices I never even considered and ended up loving at first audition. In the end, I seldom acquire anything I haven't listened first to a fair extent. Oh yes, She Who Must Be Obeyed must be obeyed all the time. . . and must approve. . . which She does very seldom. . . so errors in judgement must be avoided at all cost, because correcting them may take years.
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