@Baclagg, I highly suggest you take up @mikelavigne and @millercarbon gracious offers to hear their systems. On whatsbestforum.com, Mike’s system has garnered many complements from several forum members who have heard it. Just looking at @millercarbon system pics it’s obvious of the time, energy, and $resources were committed to this system is something extraordinary. Both have a wealth of information/experience garnered by years of building their systems. Frankly, the time and cost to visit them is a bargain/no-brainer compared to say buying a component, in fact it may save you time, $, and it also scratches your curiosity itch. In addition, I believe Mike’s system is SS while @millercarbon is tube – it may be valuable info on why they choose their different system building paths.
Other options tend to be hit and miss - visiting audio brick-n-mortar stores, joining an audio club to hear member systems, or going to an audio show.
Audio shows are often notorious for bad sounding systems caused by the rented undertreated rooms (ie: Magico S5mk2 sounded great at 2 shows, but flat at RMAF last year), but you do find some good/great sounding systems. Manufacturers often use them to showcase their latest products. You may even hear a system “sound” that you emotionally connect with so that you can subsequently steer your system towards. AXPONA is the largest North America audio show, but note it has been rescheduled from April 17-19 to August 7-9, 2020 out of concern for the health and safety of all participants due to the growing coronavirus situation. If you’ve never attended a large audio show I suggest you do so – I always greatly enjoy them.
Other options tend to be hit and miss - visiting audio brick-n-mortar stores, joining an audio club to hear member systems, or going to an audio show.
Audio shows are often notorious for bad sounding systems caused by the rented undertreated rooms (ie: Magico S5mk2 sounded great at 2 shows, but flat at RMAF last year), but you do find some good/great sounding systems. Manufacturers often use them to showcase their latest products. You may even hear a system “sound” that you emotionally connect with so that you can subsequently steer your system towards. AXPONA is the largest North America audio show, but note it has been rescheduled from April 17-19 to August 7-9, 2020 out of concern for the health and safety of all participants due to the growing coronavirus situation. If you’ve never attended a large audio show I suggest you do so – I always greatly enjoy them.