One of the blessings of living in a large metropolis is having enough dedicated high-end audio outlets to actually be able to listen to components and systems -- to gain a sense of what is truly excellent, what you truly prefer among those excellent choices, and how much lucre you must be willing to part with to make you happy.
Then again, if you don't have reasonable access to several stores, it's perfectly okay to read the audiophile magazines, hang out on this website, and search out enough live music to be able to get a finger on your particular tastes. Go to a bar with a live act. Go to a C&W venue or the local symphony/chamber music society (if one exists). When you're at the bar, listen to the clink of glassware and people's voices. In other words, develop an ear.