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

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. 

I like visiting dealers.  I appreciate hearing things in person.  The last few transactions were with local dealers.   DAC,  CD Transport, Cartridge, and  Pnono pre.  I got really good deals on all.  

I try to buy something for the long haul, it doesn't always work out but I'm happy with the items mentioned with no desire to upgrade anytime soon.   I think it's  mostly because I heard them in person, then in my home with option to return.    

I read reviews, but more to learn about the feature set , capabilities,  etc.   I let my ears decide.