What do "audiophiles" use to judge equipment?

cmariner -- I appreciate your inquiry. The way I now go about reaching purchasing decisions is to find reviews of components that coincide with both my pocketbook and my listening preferences. I get 'em home and plug 'em in. And oh yes, I also make sure I've cleaned wax build-up from my ears.

@cmariner1:

"Are there any others who trust their own ears and go into a music store and BUY something without the psychological hand-holding of a forum or spec sheet?"

Are you actually suggesting that walking into a store, sans any prior research and buying gear solely upon a showroom demo, is a smart move? ? ? 

 CLEARLY a post just to draw attention and get people to think.... a juvenile and simplistic way of looking at our hobby which we all realize has many variables that go into making a  purchase decision. Try again hombre. 

What was the question again?

Do I trust any one else on the planet? For anything? NO NOT ONE!!

Spec sheet, pictures inside and out.. MAYBE.

If I like the BS they are trying to hand me.. (Usually it's BS, too), I'll listen.. But years ago I settled on what I like and use, very little has changed other than the wrinkle are a little deeper on my end..

5 or six years to try class ds, then 5 more years, that was 6 years ago.
They are pretty good now.. ;-)

Pass designs, Sony ES series SACDs, Mac tube front end, Cary and Mac valve amps (gave up on VTLs), certain class Ds in certain places, Small planars and ribbons, GRs servo bass system (6 years now) and of course direct coupled MB columns..

I'm looking at a STL BIG valve EQ balanced in balanced out. I can add additional TUBE boost (2, 4, or 8 ?) above the +6db -6db in a given region. Great for a step in an OB design..

If know how they are made that's the ONLY reason I consider buying  them. No SEE, NO BUY...

I'll never support potted passive XO either.. If I can't see the OX I'm not buying it.. TRUST NO ONE... :-) X-Files..

Regards

I use my ears ONLY not reviews or Audiogon been doing this before you were born.Good luck!!