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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
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,618 posts
 
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.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
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.
mesch
3,481 posts
 
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.
 
nkonor
635 posts
 
Jafant, Agree! Get out to brick & mortar dealers. Listen, Learn. Internet is spec and someone else's ears. Support your dealer. Traveling is good 
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
381 posts
 
Audition, Audition, Audition! No more said.
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