Question: What are some of your best pieces of advise to someone new to the hobby?

Don’t be led by performance specs alone- your great overachieving wonder box may end up sounding nothing more than harsh.

Although it’s practically impossible these days- try to hear as much as you can in person.

Try to avoid being the Guinea Pig when it comes to new products. Give a little time for the buzz to wear off- that’s usually when people’s honest opinions come out.

Pay attention to what products are being sold and how often- this can be a good indicator of how satisfied people actually were based on its age.

I was in the same boat 5 years ago. I am off the boat now since I am DONE. I have two 2-channel systems that I love and a headphone system that is amazing. Here are some things I think are useful.

• Audiogon is very useful. I have not tried this yet but ChatGPT could be even more useful with A’gon.
• The ROOM is the most important piece of gear. Unless you have headphones.
• Pro audio gear is something to consider. They also tend to cut out some of the BS
• Streaming is bits getting from one place to the other. Audio streaming these days is done using TCP (I think almost everyone) . However, there are differences in sound with streamers. I think a cost effect way to solve this is to use Fibre Optic cables to stream. Even with a electrically noisy (analog) network the Fibre cable will kill that noise before it get to the DAC since it is made of glass. Glass cannot carry the electrical noise. It is very simple and cheap to get the last mile to the DAC with Fibre.
• Higher cost does not mean better. My DONE gear was cheaper than what preceeded it.
• Before you invest in headphones listen to the RAAL SR1a and or CA1a. You will then not waste a lot of time and money.
• Gear has a sonic signature. Listen to warm, smooth, neutral, bright gear and see what floats your boat. Different pieces can be used like ingredients in food. Mix it up to get the taste you like. Usually the same type of gear tends to be a bit too much of a good thing.

Listen, Listen, Listen before buying equipment. And listen to music that they like.

+1

Some great advice so far - keep 'em coming!