For me it is relatively easy. I'm usually considering replacing one component at a time. I've been fortunate that I have established positive relationships with a few great dealers over the years and they would let me take home equipment for a week or so to listen in my own home. Of course they would take my credit card information down just in case I didn't return it (never) or if I decided to purchase, so I didn't have to come back down to San Diego.
Then, I would establish the listening level using my measuring equipmtn and my many Stereophile test cds. Then, listen to my favorite music on the existing system at the level I'm used to, match levels for the new piece I'm auditioning and listen again to the same music. Then, I would go back and forth to determine what equipment sounds like vs the original piece.
differences in loudness/volume levels can make a false impression, which is why matching levels to listen matters greatly.
Another thing that is really important is to resist the urge to change more than one piece at a time while doing your tests. it is impossible to know what exactly is making the change if you change more than one piece at a time.
Listening in a store is totally different. Yes, you may hear differences in your favorite music, however, there is no way you can tell what piece(s) are making that change, and if you purchase and get it home and it doesn't perform as well as you heard in the store, you get frustrated or angry.
A/B comparing equipment in your home on your existing system can be not only fun, but revealing. Even A/B comparing equipment in stores, swapping only one piece can reveal much also. this is exactly why certain manufacturers do not allow their products to be compared with other products in stores.
I hope this helps.
enjoy and stay safe,
Then, I would establish the listening level using my measuring equipmtn and my many Stereophile test cds. Then, listen to my favorite music on the existing system at the level I'm used to, match levels for the new piece I'm auditioning and listen again to the same music. Then, I would go back and forth to determine what equipment sounds like vs the original piece.
differences in loudness/volume levels can make a false impression, which is why matching levels to listen matters greatly.
Another thing that is really important is to resist the urge to change more than one piece at a time while doing your tests. it is impossible to know what exactly is making the change if you change more than one piece at a time.
Listening in a store is totally different. Yes, you may hear differences in your favorite music, however, there is no way you can tell what piece(s) are making that change, and if you purchase and get it home and it doesn't perform as well as you heard in the store, you get frustrated or angry.
A/B comparing equipment in your home on your existing system can be not only fun, but revealing. Even A/B comparing equipment in stores, swapping only one piece can reveal much also. this is exactly why certain manufacturers do not allow their products to be compared with other products in stores.
I hope this helps.
enjoy and stay safe,