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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,199 posts
 

In recent years, I've done it very carefully after a lot of reading and listening, to try to put together the best sounding system I could with a reasonable budget.

Having done that, moving forward I am more likely to just  try  different things when I can for whatever reason I choose.  Something different, something with the right aesthetics, whatever, just to see.   But I won't buy anything that I don't think has a good chance of sounding really good in its own way.

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@williewonka   I am jealous!  Way to go Toronto.  As a recently retired audiophile I would love to have all of those stereo shops to visit.  Living in the Amish country of southcental PA I don't expect an audiophile Renaissance to occur here anytime soon.  ugh


jond's avatar
jond
5,807 posts
 
For the most part option 3 for me buying, listening, reselling over and over. However over the years and  a variety of tubed gear, every time something would need repairs I would take it to Deja Vu Audio. Vu almost always gave me a loaner amp and his stuff always sounded better than whatever I was getting fixed. I now have a Deja Vu preamp and amp. All of my other gear is from Agon with the exception of a few cables.
papermill's avatar
papermill
80 posts
 
All good recommendations.
Surprised no one has mentioned audio shows. I discovered my speakers and amp at AXPONA. Yes, there are significant sonic compromises common in a hotel room. However, after sifting through the dredge, the great setups and equipment shine - and can give some indication of what is possible. Speakers are especially revealing at shows and I would anticipate they will sound better at home. The magazines, paper or internet, fall short in covering all that is out there. And then with their predictable conclusions, are hardly reliable. But that's another subject.
mingles
796 posts
 
What ever happened to Elizabeth? I miss her responses... 

>elizabeth
>11-21-2008 8:29am
>I place all the pictures of stereo stuff spread out on the
>garage floor. I put a chicken in the garage. Whichever
>picture the chicken shits on.. THAT is the equipment I buy.
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