How do you pick your gear? Tips and insights are welcome.

Personally, I learn about new gear becoming available via YouTube videos, and I watch reviews on there and do further research in online articles, forums, etc. If I can, I'll try to audition, but that sound in the shop may not be at all what it sounds like in my room, and much of what I'm interested in is not available for me to hear locally anyway. I also look for a good return policy in case I'm dissatisfied.... 

Each of my pieces of gear has a different story. Back in the day (25 years ago), there was a good dealer in KC that had a nice mix of products to demo. I discovered Von Schweikert as a result. I bought my current Von Schweikert based on reviews and my familiarity with the company (and conversations with Damon Von Schweikert). I discovered Coda about the same time as my first set of Von Schweikert. I bought my current Coda based on my familiarity with the brand and conversations with Doug Dale (great guy). My LTA MicroZotl preamp was recommended to me by a friend I met on a conrad-johnson FB page. I also checked out reviews. Other gear was selected based on review or just a gut feeling and a roll-of-the-dice. I’ve purchased some cables that didn’t pan out, but I’ve done well with the hardware, I think.

Good question!

Personally, I synthesize lots of information from all available sources.  Of late I also use AI tools, mainly Poe web search,  to help sort through it all in an unbiased manner.  Fun fun fun!  🍾

I read about equipment all the time and ask people questions to whose own the gear. I have received lots of great advice from members on AG and end up reading all their posts. It is more about matching the equipment to my preferences. If I can listen to it, then obvously I do.  If not, I just buy it and try it. It is always fun to get, set up, and listen to new gear. Usually, I like it and keep it, but if I don’t, I can either return it or re-sell it, or just live with it for a bit - not the end of the world. At this level, it is ALL GOOD, just different flavors so I just listen and enjoy and learn. Sometimes the mistakes teach me more than the good choices. If I pick the wrong component, I can listen for a year and then swap it out. Either way, I am having fun and listening to high-end gear.

I pick my gear only after I have consumed a lot of adult beverages, it's my cardinal rule.  The darnedest gear shows up at my door step sometime later and I just shake my head... I did it again.  Great gear comes and great gear goes, I am just along for the ride and it is whole lot of fun along the way.  You could say that I really don't overthink my gear acquisitions.