I seldom offer an opinion, due to trolls. I daily read Audiogon, and occasionally Home Theater Forum. HTF seems to have the most honest reviews of equipment, imo. That said, when researching new gear to purchase (used), i look on the internet for reviews and assessments. There are several contributors on this site I trust and value for their thoughts. I have 2 musician friends that visit and listen with me. The drummer's home theater is the smallest JBL and sub combo. The bass player a small portable radio-dvd device. Neither sound very good. At my house the drummer loves the cymbals and percussion quality. The bass player can hear the mixes and dubbing. I am much older than them.
I live in Redding CA, the audiophiles I've met are mostly flippers, with upgraditis yen, and the money to explore new or used. I can only afford used. I'll start asking if they read forums.
Advertising. About 1979, while working at Custom Hi Fi (gone) at 16th st and Indian School rd Phoenix, AZ. Worked on an ad for the daily newspaper with the boss. I suggested 99 'bones' instead of 99 dollars for a Technics loss leader for the ad. Chap rolled in a grocery cart with 99 clean beef bones. The store manager said no. The fellow went to the local paper and next, the stores name was in an article on the front page. Local tv picked it up and the boss gave the beef bone chap his receiver, and again it was picked up in the media that the bone fellow had gotten his receiver. Needles to say business picked right up. Good advertising and sometimes bad advertising worked in those times. Job wise, I installed the car stereos for the five stores.
Michael Green thank you for your technical contributions. I appreciate all the contributions from members.