How did you choose your equipment?

Ponnie: I never said magazines were a good way to decide. They are, unfortunately, a common way.
Elizabeth: I'm still laughing....

1990; I heard the "Grail" at The Spectral/Wilson dealer of the time.Lived in Alaska at the time/ On vacation to visit family/friends in Chicago. Spent 3-4 hrs ; 3-4 days every week during the month I was on vacation ( the dealer was a great guy and multiple rooms/ Spectral systems. Visited many dealers in Seattle and Chicago but never heard the "Grail" again; great systems,great sound but not the "Grail"
It has been rare to hear the "Grail" even with the best gear at some of the best dealers. I was able to achieve it in my Alaska apartment just as I was moving back to Chicago . Only stuff not packed as freight was eguipment and some tube traps. Made me realize room/ room , speaker setup.
Have stayed on Spectral path since I got my first used piece in 1996. Have not been disappointed Other than my own room/system it is rare that I hear the big G. Last I heard it, was April at Axpona( CAT/ Martin room)
 Alaska system/ Thiel 3.5; Nelson Pass electronics, Tice power conditioner, LInn LP12; MIT ICs
I fully understand having no dealers near you,Wait and visit when you can. Use your ears when you can. ROOM , Speaker set-up, TT ( if used) and electronics far away as practical , ROOM , Speaker set-up, ROOM, Speaker set-up.

Nice story- nkonor

Agreed! get out into the marketplace (read roadtrip) and listen, listen and listen to the your that you are considering purchasing.  Then, read about said gear in the Audio press, to get an idea of the attributes that reviewers
wrote in comparison.

The first thing I did, 20 years ago, when I decided I would put together my dream rig - I read.  And read.  And read.  I learned.  I learned that with a pile of money, I can buy a lot of gear, but it would not necessarily give me what I wanted.  The difference between smart people and genius' is that smart people learn from their mistakes.  Genius' learn from other peoples mistakes.  Not having the funds, money or energy to buy, listen, sell and buy again, I read and read the forums on who felt they nailed their perfect sound.  Boy, did I get lucky.  I was introduced to Roger Sanders back in 2001 by someone I met online.  I bought my amps and speakers from Roger, then, Innersound, and now have is Magtechs and 10E's.

Old thread however always relevant.

My system developed from:

Consideration of the acoustics of the room within the system was to be placed. 

Determining preferred system design.  2-way monitor speakers; SS amp; tube pre; digital via DAC, computer and disk; turntable with separate phonostage. (Current system, not same for all)

Read audio press for years and was aware of many brands. followed online forums, researched specific components online, went to dealerships when traveling.

Buying used/demos/discounted via online exchange sites (principally AG in recent times), and at dealerships.

Searched out and always auditioned speakers, those I felt would react well with room, prior to purchase.